Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Garam Masala

Photo Source: Google
Garam Masala is a very popular Indian spice. It's a mixture of different spices that has many health benefits.
-anti-inflamatory
-aids digestion
-lower cholesterol
-source of iron

If you like Indian food you should have this spice in your pantry and try making a few dishes at home. Garam Masala is available at most super markets in the spice isle. It's much easier to find these days.
Here's a recipe from the Cookbook Skinny Bitch Ultimate Everyday Cookbook.

Masoor Daal (Split Red Lentils)

Ingredients:
3 cups water
1 cup dried red lentils
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon evaporated cane sugar (you can use whatever sugar you have on hand)
1 teaspoon garam masala, divided
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, chopped (i used ginger powder because that's what i had on hand)
1 garlic clove, chopped
2 fresh green chiles, chopped
2 tablespoon grapeseed oil (i used olive oil)
2 dried red chiles (i left these out)
1 small onion, finely diced
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
2 whole pita breads, cut into quarters

Directions:
In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the lentils and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Stir in salt, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon garam masala, and turmeric. Continue to cook uncovered until the lentils are soft. Stir in the ginger, garlic, and chiles. Remove from heat. Heat oil in a separate large saucepan and add the onion and the remaining garam masala, and saute until onion is dark yellow to light brown. Pour in the lentils, add the bay leaves and simmer on low for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Serve hot with rice and garnish with cilantro. Serve with pita bread.


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