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Authentic Indian Garam Masala Recipe

Using homemade masala can elevate your dishes to the next level. Garam masala powder adds an earthy flavor to your meals. Whether it’s curry, biryani, or even cookies and cakes, a pinch of garam masala can enhance the taste beautifully. You will find that every region and every family has their own traditional recipe for Garam Masala, which gets passed down from generation to generation

While packets of garam masala are easily available in every store, there is something special about homemade garam masala, Freshly ground homemade Garam Masala has an un-matched aroma and flavor. So let’s see homemade garam masala recipe.

Ingredients:

  1. Green Cardamom
  2. Black Pepper
  3. Black Cardamom
  4. Nutmeg Powder
  5. Cumin Seeds
  6. Nigella Seeds
  7. Dried Red Chillies
  8. Bay Leaves
  9. Cloves
  10. Cinnamon Sticks
  11. Black Stone Flower
  12. Mace Flower
  13. Star Anise

Method:

Collect all the spices listed above. Ensure they are fresh and of high quality for the best flavor. Measure out each spice according to your taste preference. A general guideline is to use equal parts of most spices, with a slightly lesser amount of potent ones like cloves and black cardamom.

Heat a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add all the whole spices (green cardamom, black cardamom, black pepper, cumin seeds, nigella seeds, dried red chillies, bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon sticks, black stone flower, mace flower, and star anise).

Stir the spices continuously to prevent burning. Roast them until they become fragrant, usually about 3-5 minutes. Once roasted, transfer the spices to a plate and allow them to cool completely.

Once the spices are cooled, transfer them to a spice grinder or a high-speed blender. Grind them into a fine powder. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your grinder. Once ground, add the nutmeg powder to the mixture and give it a final blend to ensure everything is well combined.

Transfer the freshly ground garam masala to an airtight container. Store it in a cool, dark place to retain its flavor and aroma. It’s best to use the garam masala within a few months for the best taste.

Garam Masala can be used in a variety of dishes:

Curries: Add a teaspoon towards the end of cooking to enhance the flavor of your curry. If you like bharwa vegetables or love using bharwa masala you can try masala monk’s Bharwa Masala. A generous stuffing of bharwa masala will turn the oh so boring vegetables into surprisingly delicious For the best stuffed karele, baingan, bhindi, tori or tinde Bharwa Masala by Masala Monk Handpicked whole spices are roasted and ground at home to get the perfect consistency and extract the best flavours and textures.

Marinades: Mix it with yogurt and lemon juice for a delicious marinade for meats and vegetables.

Soups and Stews: Sprinkle a bit into your soups and stews for a warm, spicy kick.

Rice Dishes: Use it in biryanis and pulaos for that authentic taste.

Making garam masala at home is a simple yet rewarding process. The aroma and flavor of freshly ground spices can elevate your dishes to a new level. Try this homemade garam masala recipe and add a touch of authentic Indian flavor to your cooking. Don’t forget to share your experience and feedback in the comments below.

If you try this recipe, do give us a shout out. Just click a picture and tag us on @masala.monk or use the hashtag #MasalaMonkRecipe and share on Instagram and Facebook. We would love to hear from you. 🙂

Happy cooking!

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Butter Chicken Guide: 10 Most Famous Places in Delhi

Butter Chicken Masala by Masala Monk

Hello, food lovers! 🙌

We at Eatlo are always on a culinary quest, and who better to guide us than you, our vibrant community of food enthusiasts! 🎉 Recently, we embarked on a journey to discover the best Butter Chicken in Delhi, a dish that is as much a part of our city’s identity as its historical monuments. 🏰 We turned to you for recommendations, and you responded with an overwhelming number of suggestions. Each one of you shared your favorite spots, making our task both challenging and exciting. 🕵️‍♀️🔍

After meticulously going through each of your comments, tallying the mentions, and conducting further research on the outlets, we are thrilled to present the top 10 places in Delhi to enjoy the best Butter Chicken, as voted by you! 🏆🍽️

10. Dana Choga 🍛

Dana Choga, known for its rich and creamy Butter Chicken, starts off our list. The succulent pieces of chicken drenched in a tangy and creamy tomato gravy have won the hearts of many. 💓

9. Nazeer’s (All outlets) 🍗

Nazeer’s, with its multiple outlets across the city, has been serving delicious Butter Chicken for years. The perfect blend of spices and the creamy texture of the gravy make it a favorite among many. 🌟

8. Pindi (Pandara Road) 🍽️

Pindi on Pandara Road serves mouth-watering Butter Chicken. The well-cooked chicken pieces in a rich and creamy gravy make it a dish to die for. 😋

7. Minar (GK-1 M block market) 🥘

Minar is a well-known name in Delhi’s food scene. Their Butter Chicken is a crowd-pleaser with its perfect balance of flavors and the right amount of creaminess. 👌

6. Invitation (Ashok Vihar) 🍛

Invitation in Ashok Vihar serves one of the best Butter Chickens in the city. The dish is a perfect blend of tangy and creamy, leaving you craving for more. 🤤

5. Mughal Mahal (Rajinder Nagar) 🍗

Mughal Mahal is a classic favorite for Butter Chicken lovers. The chicken is tender and the gravy is rich, making it a dish that you can’t resist. 🥇

4. Dhaba (Rajouri Garden) 🍽️

Dhaba in Rajouri Garden serves a Butter Chicken that is rich, creamy, and full of flavors. It’s a dish that will make you fall in love with Butter Chicken all over again. 💘

3. Havemore (Pandara Road) 🥘

Havemore is a name that needs no introduction. Their Butter Chicken is a delight for the taste buds. The creamy gravy and the perfectly cooked chicken make it a dish worth trying. 👍

2. Moti Mahal (Daryaganj) 🍛

Moti Mahal in Daryaganj, the place where it all started, is known for its authentic Butter Chicken. The dish is a perfect blend of creaminess and tanginess, making it a must-try for all. 🥈

1. Gulati’s (Pandara Road) 🍗

Finally, Gulati’s has been crowned the king of Butter Chicken in Delhi. Their Butter Chicken is a culinary delight that is loved by all. The rich and creamy gravy coupled with the perfectly cooked chicken makes it a dish that you can’t miss. 🥇👑

We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners! 🎉🎊 Your dedication to serving the best Butter Chicken has not gone unnoticed by the discerning palates of our community members.

A big thank you to everyone who participated in the survey. 🙏 Your input has helped us create a list that truly represents the best of what Delhi has to offer. Your passion for food and your willingness to share your experiences make our community a treasure trove of culinary knowledge. 📚🍽️

In the comments let us know how many of these outlets have you tried and what you think about it. Looking forward to people who would have eaten at all 10 places. True legends we must say!

We invite you to participate in more such polls and share your valuable opinions. 📝 Our next poll will be aimed at finding the Hidden and Underrated Gems of Butter Chicken in Delhi. We believe that there are many more places out there waiting to be discovered, and who better to guide us than you! So, stay tuned, keep sharing, and let’s continue this delicious journey together. Happy eating! 🍽️🎉🥳

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5 Satvik Recipes for Weight Loss from Isha Yoga Centre by GunjanShouts

light people woman relaxation

Hello, health enthusiasts! Today, we’re sharing a fantastic video by GunjanShouts that features 5 simple yet tasty Satvik recipes from the Isha Yoga Centre. These recipes are not only delicious but also perfect for those who are on a weight loss journey. Let’s dive in! 🥗🍲

In the video, Gunjan tries out 5 different Satvik recipes that are made using local and seasonal ingredients. These recipes, if incorporated into your daily diet, can help cure many diseases naturally and assist in weight loss. The recipes ensure a balanced meal with the right intake of all nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

Here’s a sneak peek into the recipes featured in the video:

  1. Bell Pepper Sabzi with Besan: A flavorful dish made with bell peppers and gram flour (besan). It’s a perfect side dish for your meals. The bell peppers are sautéed until they are soft and then mixed with the besan. The besan gives it a unique texture and flavor that complements the sweetness of the bell peppers.
  2. Cheela Recipe: A traditional Indian pancake made with gram flour. It’s light, nutritious, and perfect for breakfast or a quick snack. The batter for the cheela is made by mixing gram flour with water and spices. The batter is then spread on a hot pan and cooked until it’s golden brown.
  3. Dosa: A South Indian staple, dosas are thin, crispy pancakes made from a fermented batter. They’re served with a variety of chutneys and sambar. The batter for dosa is made by soaking rice and lentils, grinding them into a smooth paste, and then fermenting it overnight.
  4. Khichdi Recipe: A comfort food made with rice and lentils. It’s wholesome, nutritious, and easy to digest. The rice and lentils are cooked together until they are soft. Spices and vegetables are added to enhance the flavor.
  5. Healthy Food: The video also features a variety of healthy food options that are perfect for a balanced diet. These include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Gunjan also shares her personal experience and learnings through her weight loss journey. She has completed the INFS Nutrition and Fitness course to expand her knowledge on the topic.

If you’re looking for a customized diet plan, Gunjan offers a transformation program called I’MWOW. The program provides counseling, personalized diet plans, follow-along workout videos, recipes, daily positive affirmations, interesting activities, and a lot more. You can enroll in the program here.

Check out the full video here for a detailed walkthrough of the recipes. Don’t forget to subscribe to Gunjan’s channel for more health and fitness tips!

Also, if you’re a foodie like us, consider joining our Facebook community at EatLo. We share recipes, cooking tips, and everything food-related. We’d love to have you! 🍽️💕

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A Deep Dive into South Indian Cuisine: Dosas, Idli, and More with Master Chef Vijay Kumar

Homemade, nutritional and delicious

Greetings, food enthusiasts! 🥘🍴🍽️👨‍🍳

Today, we’re embarking on a culinary adventure to the vibrant and diverse world of South Indian cuisine. We’re going to explore the art of making some of the region’s most beloved dishes, including Dosas, Idli, and more. Our guide on this journey is none other than Vijay Kumar, the executive chef and partner at Semma in New York City.

This exploration is inspired by a fantastic video from Bon Appétit, titled “How an Indian Master Chef Makes Dosas, Idli & More | Handcrafted | Bon Appétit”. The video has garnered over 2.4 million views, a testament to the global love for Indian cuisine and the skill and passion of Chef Vijay Kumar. 🎥🍛

Meet the Maestro: Chef Vijay Kumar 👨‍🍳

Vijay Kumar is a culinary virtuoso who has dedicated his career to showcasing the authentic flavors of South India on the global stage. As the executive chef and partner at Semma, a celebrated South Indian restaurant in New York City, he has been instrumental in introducing the diverse and rich culinary traditions of South India to a wider audience.

His mission goes beyond serving delicious food. He aims to challenge the common perception of Indian cuisine being limited to dishes like chicken tikka masala and butter naan. Through his work, he brings to the fore the culinary treasures of South India, a region known for its unique flavors, diverse ingredients, and intricate cooking techniques. 🌍🍛

The Art and Science of South Indian Cuisine 🍽️

In the video, Chef Vijay takes viewers on a culinary journey, demonstrating the equipment, ingredients, and techniques that are integral to South Indian cooking. He showcases the creation of five rice and lentil-based dishes that are staples in South Indian households: Gunpowder Dosa, Uttappam, Idli, Paniyaram, and Idiyappam. 🍚🌶️

Each of these dishes is a testament to the culinary heritage of South India, reflecting the region’s agricultural abundance, historical influences, and cultural diversity. They are made from simple, locally sourced ingredients, yet their preparation involves a blend of science and art, precision and intuition, tradition and innovation.

Gunpowder Dosa 🍛

The journey begins with the Gunpowder Dosa, a thin, crispy crepe made from a fermented batter of rice and lentils. It’s served with a spicy ‘gunpowder’ mix and a flavorful potato masala. The dosa is a staple in South Indian cuisine, enjoyed hot and crispy, straight off the tawa (iron griddle). The ‘gunpowder’ mix, made from a blend of lentils and spices, adds a fiery kick to the dosa, making it a favorite among spice lovers.

Uttappam 🥞

Next up is the Uttappam, a thick, fluffy pancake also made from the fermented rice and lentil batter. It’s traditionally topped with a variety of fresh vegetables, including onions, tomatoes, chilies, and cilantro. The Uttappam is cooked evenly on both sides until it achieves a beautiful golden color. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, served with a side of sambar (lentil soup) and chutneys.

Idli🍚

The Idli, a steamed rice cake, is another popular dish in South India. It’s made from a different type of rice known as Idli rice, along with lentils and fenugreek seeds. The batter is fermented and then steamed in special Idli molds to create soft, fluffy cakes. The Idli is known for its mild flavor and soft texture, making it a perfect canvas for the flavorful sambar and chutneys it’s typically served with.

Paniyaram 🍘

Paniyaram is a popular South Indian snack or breakfast item made from either Idli batter or Dosa batter. It’s cooked in a special pan called a ‘paniyaram chatty’, which gives it a unique round shape. Chef Vijay shares his mother’s recipe in the video, revealing the love and nostalgia associated with this dish. The Paniyaram is served with a spicy coconut chutney, making it a delightful treat for the taste buds.

Idiyappam 🍝

Finally, there’s the Idiyappam, also known as string hopper. It’s essentially rice noodles served with a variety of gravies. The Idiyappam is made from a dough of rice flour, coconut milk, water, and salt, which is then pressed into noodles and steamed. This dish showcases the versatility of rice, a staple grain in South India, and the innovative ways in which it’s used in the region’s cuisine.

The Magic of Fermentation and Traditional Cookware 🍛🌶️

One of the key aspects of South Indian cuisine highlighted in the video is the use of fermentation. Fermentation not only adds a unique flavor to the dishes but also enhances their nutritional value. The process breaks down the starches in the rice and lentils, making them easier to digest and increasing the bioavailability of nutrients.

The video also underscores the importance of traditional cookware in South Indian cooking. From the ‘tawa’ (iron griddle) used for making dosas to the ‘paniyaram chatty’ (cast iron pan) used for making paniyaram, each piece of equipment contributes to the unique texture and flavor of the dishes.

Join the Foodie Community 🍽️👩‍🍳

If this exploration of South Indian cuisine has whetted your appetite for more, we invite you to join our Facebook community at Eatlo. It’s a space for food enthusiasts to share their love for all things culinary. From sharing recipes to discussing food trends, it’s a vibrant community for everyone who loves to eat and cook. 🍴👩‍🍳

Wrapping Up 🎬

The video by Bon Appétit is a treasure trove of culinary knowledge and inspiration. Chef Vijay’s expertise and passion shine through as he meticulously prepares each dish, explaining the nuances of South Indian cooking along the way. So, if you’re looking to expand your culinary horizons, be sure to check out the video and give these recipes a try. And remember, the best way to enjoy these dishes is when they’re hot and fresh, just like they’re served at Semma. 🍽️🔥