July 10, 2007

TO THE PANTRY THEY GO!!:))

Spice powders are my contribution to Monthly Blog Patrolling, a brain child of sweet girl Coffee from 'The Spice Cafe' blog with a theme of "Preserve it" for this month.Thank you for hosting Coffee!:)

Well...what have we here this time for monthly blog patrolling to preserve,did you ask?! I made two excellent spice powders to use in dishes but they both are as different as they can be in taste.One from the North and the other is from the South of India!

First recipe is Garam masala from Coffee,the host herself which she learnt from her mom,spending lot of money on the International phone call to get the recipe!:D
Although I couldn't guess by looking at the mountain of Garam masala on her blog(I always bought my Garam masala from the store which is always dark brownish,don't blame me!:D),I already had this on my mind to make someday for my North Indian dishes and here is the perfect opportunity.It's very aromatic and flavorful,thanks Coffee for an authentic recipe.Look at that color!!:))

Coffee's Garam masala:
Click on the above link for original recipe to make this masala. I have added some more ingredients to the original recipe.


Here is what you need:
2 cups coriander seeds
2 cups Bay leaves
1 cup Cumin seeds
1/2 cup Mace
1/2 cup peppercorns
1/2 cup cloves
1 Anistar or Star Anise
1/2 cup cinnamon(Dalchini)
1 cup of whole red kashmiri chillies or 3tbsp Paprika powder,
2-3 Black Cardamoms (Badi Elaichi seeds) and 3 green Cardamoms (seeds),
2 tbsp Shahjeera and 1 tbsp dry ginger powder (optional).

Slightly roast all these and powder coarsely.

********************************************************************************************************************

My second recipe would be this delicious "miracle" South Indian Masala powder, aka SIMP, which Viji uses for many of her delectable dishes which I keep ogling ,specially her weekend Lunches! I just had to try this.It does taste wonderful.It can be added to rice dishes or any South Indian gravy dishes.Funny thing is ,every time MBP comes around I am drawn to Viji's blog like a magnet for recipes to snatch!:D

Viji from Vcuisine's SIMP:(South Indian masala powder, click on the link for original recipe)


Here is the recipe:
1 cup Chana dal
1 cup Urad dal
1/3 cup Coriander seeds
1/2 cup Sesame seeds
Red chillis,as many as you like
2 tbsp Peppercorns
2 tbsp Cumin seeds
2 tsp Hing
1 tsp Fenugreek seeds
1 tsp Turmeric powder
Tamarind: 1 big lemon size
2 tbsp roasted Groundnuts
8 pieces Cashewnuts
1/2 cup dessicated dry coconut
Few Curry leaves

Roast all these and powder.

Both these 'helper' spice powders are excellent to add in dishes and both are very aromatic in their own way. Glad I made these at last.Now they go my pantry waiting for me use them and I am sure they don't last long if you know me and how I operate in my kitchen!!:D
Thanks again Coffee and Viji.Hugs to both you!


**********************************************************************************************************

Late addition!! I had to make this Shenga(Peanut) chutney powder as soon as I saw it in Roopa's blog "my chow chow bhath" today.In fact, her photo looks lot better than mine,check the original recipe there. And Coffee,I will send one of these powders to you but you can take all three for your round up if you like.I couldn't help myself!!:D

Roopa's Peanut Chutney Powder:
Click on the above link to go to the original recipe.


Here is how to make it:
2 cups peanuts roasted and skin removed
1/2 cup Sesame seeds
4 garlic cloves
few dry chillies
1/4 cup curry leaves
1/4 tsp asafoteida
1/2 cup desicated coconut
Sugar, salt and tamarind paste to taste.

Roast slightly and powder coarsely.

This Peanut chutney powder tastes fabulous with any Bhakri,Thalipeeth and Oats Parathas.Hope you try making it and enjoy.A BIG hug to you from me Roopa.Thank you so much,it took me back to Hubli and the Jowar rotis we used to have with this Peanut chutney!:))

40 comments:

Meena Shankar said...

lo!! I am the first one to comment...though this is just my second comment to you...
I just loved the garam masala colour..Nanna manelu blackish colour garam masalane idhe..so, idhanna nodi first enirabahudu andukonde...eega try maadi nodbeku.

Suma Gandlur said...

I don't see any comments yet. By any chance am I the first one to comment here (for the first time if it is) or you haven't published the received comments yet.
These spicy powders always come handy. Right?
Such powders are always welcome in my kitchen too.

Viji said...

Thanks Asha, for trying the SIMP, you will come up with many dishes with this more than me and I am going to refer your recipes hereafter. You are so sweet in expressing your feelings. The Coffee's masala powder is really tempting to try. I too read the chutney powder this morning, and it was too good also Asha. Nice choice. Lovely entries. Viji

DEEPA said...

wow!!!asha ji ....all the spice powders are great.They are really spicy....Too good

Sia said...

aha:) u have already looted 3 of my must try masala powders:) no worries, i have done my share of grinding one simple aromatic masala:) can u guess what it is?;) he he...will reveil it some dy soon:)
is there any more to come for this month's MBP? it looks like excellent choice for this season:) i have so many thing in mind. will see what all i can do and store:)

FH said...

Meena,you are first indeed this time!:))
Garam masala tumba chenngirutte,madi nodi.Naanu swalpa parika matte cayenne pd mix madidde,adakke ashtondu color.Try it,great for all North Indian dishes.

Sorry Suma,Meena made it before you but I don't care.I am just happy to see you here.Make SIMP Suma,I just plucked some veggies from my garden and made a curry using this SIMP.Believe me,it smells so good.Hope try SIMP:)

FH said...

Thanks for visiting so promptly Viji.I just made Eggplant dish with your powder,let me tell you it smells so good.At first ,I hesitated to add Cashews but it turned out beautifully and I don't think pd will last long now!:D
I love all your authentic South Indian recipes,keep it up.I am your fan!:))

Thanks Deepa.The minute I see some authentic recipes in any blog,somehow it registers in my brain and I cannot forget them even if I try.All 3 of these are yum.Try if you can!:))

FH said...

Sia,good that you have some free time girl,I miss your comments if I don't see it!:))
This is what I did yesterday within 2 hrs!Made first two and then saw Roopa's,got up again.I am like that,little cuckoo!;p
Did you make Coffee's too?It is fabulous.I am waiting for your picks too.
Nope,that's it for MBP this month.Nupur taking a break,so I am trying get in to all other events before A to Z starts again!:D
JFI is chillies this month,did you know? I have banana peppers growing in the garden.Can't wait for them to rip a little.
Have a great day and blog more!Hugs.

Richa said...

the color of coffee's garam masala had tempted me a lot :) yours looks so good as well! as for viji, i've tried her recipes and have had good success with them :) roopa's chutney looks yum :) good going!!

Prema Sundar said...

Nice colour for the garam masala Asha. I have planned to try viji's SIMP too. Her dishes with that are simply superb..Its nice to make these powders rather than buying it in stores..
I like ur enthu of answering the comments Asha.

archana said...

Oh Asha ! even i had my eyes on Coffee's masala,:D
Both the masalas look nice. Viji's SIMP was also on my mind :D

FH said...

Thanks Rich!:))
I just used Viji's SIMP in a dish and it tastes so good.I am making something tomorrow with Coffee's.Make it Richa,it takes about 15 mins!

Thanks Prema!:) I just can't help answering every comment!I have thought of not doing that,believe me but just can't read and not answer them!:D
Viji's south Indian recipe are so authentic,I love them.Hope you try.

Archana,I agree.Both are so good and that Peanut chutney is the best with rotis.So spicy and yummy!:))

Tee said...

Both the spice powders look so tempting and aromatic!!!
I always prefer making masalas at home than buying them from the store...store bought masalas have the same colour & flavour wheteher it is garam masala, pav bhaji masala, or chole masala.

Sharmi said...

that was a great idea Asha, both the powders are great winners.

FH said...

Tee, you are so right! They are always blackish gray and nothing else except Rasam pd which are red always!:D
These are really yummy.Glad I made them,both are keepers.Peanut chutney is excellent with Bhakri too.
Post some authentic spice pds from your home Tee.I would love to taste it.I love Goda masala but I don't get Nagkashar etc here.

FH said...

Thanks Sharmi.They are really tasty,hope you make them too:))
I used Viji's already,making something with Garam masala too shortly!

Suganya said...

This is torch light for the sun, trying coffee's recipe and submitting back to her :D

FH said...

HeHe!! Clever,huh?! Buttering the host big time!!:D
Last month I chose a recipe from a website,so this time I thought I will send her own recipe to Coffee!!;D
It was worth my time I must say,both are yummy.My kitchen is smelling good!

USHA said...

Hi Ashaji,

This Aromatic masala powder seems to be very good...I need to prepare Viji's SIMP,i have been thinking from long time...Coffee's garam masala version also tempts me alot...let me see when i find time to prepare this.
As my BIL arrive U.S for 2 weeks officetrip...getting busy with weekend plans...

FH said...

Usha,try SIMP.It is very tasty,I made a dish with it today.Garam masala,I will try it tomorrow.
Have a great weekend with BIL's visit.Hope you won't be too busy to blog! These pds will be very handy when you have guests too!:))

Manasi said...

Tataraaaaaaaa!!! I'm gonna make podis too!!! Will give the SIMP a whirl!!
Thanx dear!!!

Roopa said...

oh my Asha estu bega MBP ready. i am glad you enjoyed the chutney powder thanks . this powder saves me from grinding chutneys in the morning. I have to try viji's simp and coffee's garam masala bothe color looks so fabulous.nanu innu thinking what to prepare this weekend will be heading for a simple party for nidhi and friends on her bday. Bye have a great week ahead hugs:))

Coffee said...

I am so glad you made it my dear... I will let my mum know about it as well. :) I have made Viji's SIMP as well and its delicious !!!! Thanks for the lovely entries Asha. :D

Anonymous said...

Great Ashakka, U never ceaze to amaze me!

Sig said...

oooh I love the color on that garam masala... Asha, you've been busy....can't keep up with your posts these days :D

Viji said...

Asha, you have made a big banner for my powder. It sounds great in your post rather than mine. Thanks dear, for your interest in authentic recipes. The true fact is I learnt many tips from your blog :) Due to work load sometimes i miss some great posts - but try to cover during my next visit. It gives immense pleasure to answer all the comments with even a small thank you note. I agree with you totally on this. Have a good day dear. You are spreading the enthusiasim like anything Asha. Many people are inspired and motivated by your positive (allways) and encouraging comments to say. Keep up the spirit. Viji

Raaga said...

nice powders... they do make life easy, don't they? :)

J said...

Hi Asha!! Off you go again!! :)) I too have an eye on Coffee's garam masala!! I need to get a whole lot of powders done today!!! Phew, the very thought is exhausting!

Anonymous said...

Hi Asha, they all look delicious, really nice choices! I have been wanting to try that SIMP too. After ISG's present I am so hooked on homemade. I'd better take a day off from work and get to work! :)

FH said...

Manasi,these pds are the first ones I thought about for MBP!;D
Try SIMP with mixed veggies,I made it yesterday,it was yum!

Roopa,eradu gante olage idella madi post madibitte nenne,was easy!!:D
Peanut chutney was so good,we had it with Adai yesterday.Thanks for an authentic recipe.Happy birthday to Nidhi,have a great time.
I will post FH shortly today.

Coffeeee!!! Hugs to you and to your mum for this Garam Masala.It smelled so great,I will not buy another MDH GM ever again,honestly!:)
Thanks for making me prowl the blogs every month,it is so much fun.Have a great day today.

FH said...

Dee, thanks girl.I try my best!:))

Sig,two posts at Aroma and one at FH per week girl!:))
Keep up darling,I will miss you otherwise or even worse,I will start posting every day!!;D
Try SIMP too,it's great.See you later at FH!!!!!;0

Viji,you are such a great spirit.I do have many things common with you and feel like I know you for a long time.I like your positivity too.
Life's short,why not smile and make others smile too,right? We don't lose anything by putting a good word about others.
Keep it up with your traditional recipes,it would be like a reference to all of us.Take your time commenting,blogging should fun!:))
Have a good day today.Hugs.

FH said...

Yes they do Raaga,specially these two.Very tasty,glad they both posted them!See you at FH later!:))

J,how are you girl? Hope all your exams are done with by now.
Yup! Spice powders always save lot of time,specially if you are a student or working outside the home.Good luck with all the pds you are making today!:))

Linda,they both take about 30 mins to make! You don't have to skip work unless you need to!;D
Rasam pd and Sambhar powder are also so convenient to keep.May be one day,I will make whole post about my own powders too at FH!
Make these this weekend and cut down amount to half in the original recipes.They taste better if they are used fresh and within a month or so.Sore in air tight bottles and in the fridge to keep them fresh longer.Good luck!:))

Priyanka said...

Asha, wow, you have already come up with so many recipes for the food events!!! really nice. the watermelon one is a challenge for me since i dislike watermelon.i know i must be the only odd one out.

Arts said...

All three have such unique colors.. and they all look so fresh.. no wonder mom insisted on making masalas at home! :) The store brought masalas justs cannot match their taste.. thx for sharing :)

Raghu Ram Prasad said...

Wonderful....Being a south Indian i really like your collection...and i noted everthing for my own preparation...thanks

Mona said...

wow! the chutney looks so yum!

I make my own garam masala powders too. Both coffee colour & brown. they are used for different purpose in different dishes :)

you get some great masala powders from MTR these days. iwonder if the MTR packets have reached there yet!

FH said...

Prianka,I did all these within two hrs!:D They are easy.
You don't have to participate every events.If you don't like Watermelon,then skip it and wait for next month,it's quite okay. Don't feel obligated!:))

Arts,it is true.Store bought ones have the same color and almost same taste for everything!:))
Enjoy making them.

FH said...

Hi Raghu,good to see you here too.I love South Indian spice pds too.Great for quick and delicious dishes.Enjoy:)

Hi Mona,yes.MTR pds are available here.I love their Rasam pd,Vangi Bhath pd but others are okay.
I love to have Punjabi Garam masala recipe,they probably have more spices and make it brown,right?Got to search for it. This is a simple Garam masala for everyday dishes,tastes great.
Mona,first anniversary at FH,take a look when you can:))

Kajal said...

Great post of dry masala powder. I always like this type of home made masala because it’s great fragrance. I will try your Garam masala next time.:)

FH said...

Hi Kajal,it's true.Homemade are always better.Try Coffee's garam masala,its very tasty:)