Homemade Garam Masala Powder - Indian Spice Mix

Garam Masala(GM) is one of the basic spice mix that is found in any Indian Kitchen and it is like a Man Friday when it comes to Indian cooking.

Any dish that needs to be spiced up, a pinch of this spice mix always does the trick. Though I do love GM I do not quite like the ones that are store bought due to their strong smell since my DH does not quite like it.

One evening I set out to make my own Garam Masala and in my quest came across various recipes online for home made GM. But I used my own permutation and combination and the recipe given below speaks for itself. This is what I would call the North Indian version of the GM and it is quite subtle and a pinch of it can enhance the flavor of any dish that you make.

I use my freezer compartment of the fridge to keep all such homemade spices as it increases their shelf life. Try this and you will be pleasantly surprised how easy it is to make and once done you will thank yourself!!

Ingredients:

1/2cup Cumin Seed

2 tbsp Coriander seeds

4 sticks Cinnamon

10-12 bruised green Cardamom pods

4-5 bruised black Cardamom pods

10 Cloves

1/2 broken Nutmeg

3-4 blades of Mace

1 tbsp black Pepper corns

4 whole Star anise

5 Bay Leaf

1-2 tsp Fennel Seeds

1-2 tsp of ground Ginger Powder

Method:

1. Dry Roast all ingredients in a Kadhai over a very low flame, sauteing from time to time.
2. You will know that they are almost done when they turn slightly brownish and give off the wonderful spicy aroma.
3. You may also divide the ingredients into two batches since some like Coriander and Cumin take less time when compared to Cardamom and Cinnamon.
4. Once they are well roasted switch off the flame and allow the spice mix to cool.
5. Now finely grind the above spices.
6. Store it in an airtight container and use as and when necessary. A pinch should do the trick. Enjoy!!

Melt in your mouth Doughnuts

My little one is a crazy fan of doughnuts. Our Apartment complex was having a small fair for Durga Puja and there was this do-nut guy whom my son gave continous business for those 4-5 days. Once the fair was over my son decided it was best to get mamma to make it for him.

I was flabbergasted. I have never made them. No clue about how to make them. Non-baking recipes is not my forte as you know! But this request had to be met :)

So I set out and googled, got some good recipes and made them. They were liked both by my hubby and my son alike!! So I want to share this simple recipe for making doughnuts.

You will need:

Warm water - 1/4cup

Yeast - 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet)

Warm milk - 1/2-3/4 Cup

Butter - 2 tbsp

Sugar - 2 tbsp

Egg - 1

Wheat flour - 2-3 cups

Oil for Deep frying

For the glaze:

Powdered Sugar - 1 cup

Water - 3 tbsp

Butter - 2tbsp

Vanilla - 2 drops

Method:

Dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Set aside till froths.

Now take the milk and add the sugar, butter and mix well.

Add the egg and mix again.

Now add the Wheat Flour slowly little at a time and keep mixing.

If the batter is a little watery you may add some more wheat flour.

Once the batter is ready let it rest in a warm place covered with a muslin cloth in a well oiled bowl.

After an hour take this out and knead for a couple of minutes and using a rolling pin make a round circle of the dough. You may need to use dry flour generously before rolling in order to avoid the dough from sticking.

Using a Coffee mug and a small bottle cap shape the dough in to D0ughnuts.

Let them rest for another 45 minutes or so in a flat plate till they are well risen.

Prepare the glaze by dissolving the sugar, water, vanilla and butter in a bowl.

Now fry these in oil on medium heat, in a pan with say 2" of oil till golden brown. Drain and keep aside.

Now dip one side of the doughnut into the glaze and keep aside for the glaze to set.

Enjoy your doughnut with milk, coffee or tea!!