There's no doubt about it, life is hectic for most people. I for one, am always looking for ways to be more organized, get more done, cut the clutter out of my life and honestly, often that means I need to take shortcuts. This includes cooking!
Unless it's unhealthy to eat - like sodium-laden pre-cooked meals or oily pre-made pastes - I stock up on stuff that will help me throw together a quick meal when I am just too tired or busy to stand in the kitchen for hours! One of the items I buy often, is spice mixes or masalas. It is proof of the way times have changed, that the market these days, is full of really good choices. These masalas are pre-blended to produce the 'just-right' taste of many popular Indian dishes, so that all you often have to do, is add them to the main ingredient and stir-fry or boil!
Having said that, nothing beats homemade and prepared from scratch! I love to make my own masalas and ever so often that is exactly what I do. Do you make your own masalas? Here are the recipes to some that I make very often in my kitchen....
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Comments
Thank you so much for this interesting article Petrina! I contacted you a couple of years ago with a request for Pav Baaji Masala, as I had seen a reference to this spice in a cookery book by Anjum Anand. We are originally from the UK and really enjoy Indian food made at home. I use so many of your recipes, and you have introduced me to many wonderful Indian recipes.
I live in the Middle East, and while it is easy to find cumin, coriander etc. etc. it is difficult to track down blended spices” Masalas”. I managed to make the Pav Bhaaji Masala a couple of times, and we love your own Garam Masala recipe.
I enjoy reading about lesser-known spice blends, and find it even more fun making them myself in my kitchen.
Your site is fantastic!
Thank you so very much Fiona!!! You just made my day!