Indian Cooking Secrets- Masala powders

Indian cooking secrets- Masala powders

There are no two thoughts about the fact that Indian cooking is all about spices and masala powders. No Indian dish is complete without adding any of these. These warm spices not only add flavour and aroma to the dish, but also make it more palatable. Whether it is soups, gravies, curries, marinades, parathas or rice items, spices and masala powders are added. As Indians, we do not like bland food.

There are many spices which are sacred to Indian recipes. Garam masala is one such spice which is invaluable to Indian cooking. Garam masala powder is a blend of ground spices common in North India and other South Asian cuisines. Garam is 'hot' in Hindi. Garam masala are spices used to heat the body. It elevates body temperature. It is popularly used in Punjabi cuisine.

The components of the mix are toasted, and then ground together. It is a blend of ground spices used in Indian curries, commonly incorporating cinnamon, roasted cumin, cloves, nutmeg and (sometimes) dried red chilli peppers.It adds a complex depth to Indian dishes. While many people use garam masala at the beginning of cooking a recipe, here's the real trick that Indian cooks use.

Ground garam masala powder is typically added at the end of the cooking process to preserve the aroma and taste of the warm spices. It gives the dish a little bit of flavour just before serving. Since many Indian sauces are long-simmering, adding garam masala powder at the beginning would mute the flavours of the spices.

 The trick in Indian cooking to evenly spread the spices and masala powder is to use all the whole spices of the garam masala at the beginning such as cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cloves and bay leaves. Save the powder for the end.

You can of course use garam masala powder at any point in the cooking process, but adding a sprinkle at the end of the recipe will heighten the flavours of the dish to new levels. While many of us don't think of garam masala as a "finishing spice," in traditional Indian cooking, it is.

Another secret to retain the flavour of the spices is to add it once the dish has been cooked completely. The spices can be added to the dish once it is taken off from the heat. This will not only given a beautiful flavour but a wonderful aroma too.

Health benefits of chilli powder

Chilli powder is one such spice that is added to most Indian cuisines. People often fine the food bland without chilli powder. It makes the dish more palatable. In Hindi, it is popularly called lalmirch powder. Whether its soups, stews, sauces, curries, marinades, enchiladas, casseroles or dry rubs for meats, chili powder has a significant position in all culinary preparations. So much so, it is easily incorporated even into the healthy and tempting burgers and pizzas.

Chilli powder is made by powdering dried chilli peppers. Chilli powder produces different seasonings such as cayenne pepper. It is bright red in colour with a rich and powerful taste. Too much of it can make the dish too spicy. Hence, it should be used in moderation. It is often referred to as the fiery and hot spice. Chilli powder is also a powerhouse of medicinal and health benefits. In this article, we will discuss some of the health benefits of chilli powder.

• Chilli powder contains sufficient amount of vitamin A which fulfils one's daily intake. Besides, it contributes to the maintenance of eyesight and takes care of bones, teeth, skin, internal membranes and reproductive systems.
• It is an excellent antioxidant due to its presence of vitamin C. It helps in strengthening of immune system, healing injuries and fighting harmful conditions like cancer and heart disease.
• With beta carotenoids present in chili powder, they wipe out the radical bodies that can promote build-up of cholesterol, thereby leading to major heart diseases, like atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
• By acting as a detoxifier, chilli powder helps in eliminating waste products from the body and increases the supply of nutrients to the tissues.
• It stimulates the release of endorphins that act as natural pain killers; thus, relieving pain caused due to shingles, bursitis, diabetic neuropathy and muscles spasm in shoulders, and extremities.
• Chilli powder enhances the flow of fresh blood to the site of infections. This fresh blood fights against the infection while the leukocytes and white blood cells battle against the viruses.
• By enhancing the metabolism rates, chilli powder brings relief to nasal congestion and opens lung airways; thus, reducing the symptoms of asthma and wheezing. To add on, chili powder lessens the effects of chronic congestion amongst heavy drinkers.
• Some other health benefits associated with consumption of chilli powder include soothing stomach aches, inducing perspiration in hot climates to cool the skin, reducing triglycerides, relieving congestion and stuffiness, killing bacteria leading to stomach ulcers, enhancing blood circulation, alleviating fever, promoting weight loss, stimulating saliva production and treating headaches, sore throats and toothaches.

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Source : articlesbase.com