Garam Masala and Sambar Powder

[RowanC]

I posted these on the other forum and thought people here might enjoy them.
Here is the first:

Someone on here asked how to make garam masala.

Here is my recipe:

1/3 whole nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoon cardamom seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons black peppercorns
1 1/2 teaspoons black cumin seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons coriander seeds
a 2 inch stick of cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
1 curl of mace (optional)

Break the nutmet into pieces by firmly knocking it with the bottom of a coffee mug. Put all the spices in a spice or coffee grinder and pulse to pulverize them into fine powder. Store in a dark glass container. This recipe sometimes lasts for a year or more.

Here is another type of masala spice recipe:

12 whole green cardomom pods
1/8 teaspoon cardomom seeds
1 1/2 teaspoon peppercorns
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
2 dried hot red chiles
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
A large pinch ajwain seeds
A large pinch ground asafetida
1 teaspoon turmeric.
Grind as above.

This one can be used as a marinade for almost anything... it's wonderful if you like your dishes a little more spicy
*****

SAMBAR POWDER
The following one is used in south India and is used often in soups, braised dishes and lentil broths. If you like it hotter, just add more cayenne

2 tablespoons coriander seeds
3/8 teaspoon cumin seed
1/8 teaspoon fenugreek seed
4 dried hot red chilis !!!!
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 1/2 tablespoons turmeric
1/2 teaspoon asafetida

pulverize in coffee grinder and store in dark glass container.

NOTE: These spices when used in Indian cooking are toasted over the fire before being ground to help release their flavor. You may wish to spread them out on a teflex sheet and "toast" them gently in your dehydrator before grinding. It really does help release the flavors.

[RowanC]

I love East Indian food. Here is a salad from my cookbook that works fine for raw. This serves EIGHT so you can break it down smaller for yourself.

8 cups Napa cabbage, shredded
1 teaspoon brown mustard seeds
1/4 teaspoon cumin seed

1 plum tomato, seeded and finely chopped
1/2 anaheim chili, seeded and minced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For the dressing:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons onion, peeled and minced
Juice from one lime
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
1/2 teaspoon celtic sea salt
1 teaspoon honey, agave, or sugar

Garnish: 2 tablespoons slivered almonds

Please shredded cabbage into bowl. Mix dressing and toss into the salad. Add cilantro, tomato, and chili. Mix well. Garnish with almonds.

[RowanC]

2 ripe mangoes, peeled and chopped
5 tablespoons shredded raw coconut
1/4 teaspoon celtic salt
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro coursely chopped
1/2 teaspoon panch phoran (see above, it's the middle recipe)
1 hot chili, minced (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
2 teaspoons agave or honey

Mix well and place in glass container.
Better the second day.

[RowanC]

2 1/2 cups loosely packed spearmint leaves, coursely chopped
1 cup fresh parsley coursely chopped
1 1/2 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and coursely chopped
3 cloves garlic, peeled and coursely chopped
1/4 to 1/2 jalapeno chili, minced
5 teaspoons tamarind paste
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon honey or agave
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Put all into blender with 2 tablespoons cold water.
Puree, stopping as you need to to scrape sides and push down.
Transfer to glass bowl and serve.
YUM!

Tamarind Coriander Chutney

1 cup tamarind paste
1 1/2 teaspoons coriander
2 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
3 to 5 teaspoons honey to taste
4 teaspoons golden raisins

In a bowl, combine and chill.

I have NOT tried this one. Please let me know how you do with it.

[Carmella]

Oh RowanC, I adore Indian food! Thanks so much for posting these!

What raw dish can you prepare with SAMBAR POWDER? I am only asking because I have all the ingredients on hand.

[RowanC]

Try making a carrot or butternut squash soup... or even the chili recipe without the spices and add this spice instead... wonderful!

Thanks, RowanC, for the tip!

Indian chili, not a bad idea!