Masala (pronounced msl) is a mixture of spices used to flavor dishes. It’s usually found in Indian restaurants, but can also be made at home. While studies of other groups have shown that acculturation to Western culture often increases rates of diabetes and high blood pressure, MASALA’s participants have not experienced this trend.
Chai
Chai is a hot beverage made by simmering black tea leaves with spices such as ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and peppercorns. This mixture is then boiled with milk and sweetener. It is a popular drink throughout India, where street vendors known as chai wallahs serve it in public places and on trains and buses. It is also served at home, often with snacks such as cookies and biscuits. The chai can be spiced and sweetened to taste, with some recipes using ingredients such as saffron, chocolate or vanilla. The spices used in chai vary widely and can impart different flavors to the drink, from fiery bites of peppercorn and ginger to soothing sweetness and warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg. Depending on the recipe, it may also include fennel and cumin, which contribute a savory taste. A tea that includes saffron, for example, can have a subtle floral flavor.
When choosing ingredients for chai, it’s important to purchase quality organic and fair-trade products. It’s also a good idea to use freshly ground spices, as this will enhance the flavor. For best results, the spices should be added at the beginning of the cooking process to ensure that they infuse thoroughly. A spice grinder or mortar and pestle is ideal for this task.
While there are many variations on chai, most consist of the same basic ingredients: black tea leaves; spices such as ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom; sweetener, such as sugar or honey; and milk (often whole), which can be substituted for a dairy-free option such as soy, coconut or chai vegan milk. Some recipes call for the addition of dried ginger, star anise or licorice root, which provide additional flavor and health benefits. While the tea is steeping, prepare the milk by boiling 1 pint of full fat milk with your choice of sweetener, then whisk or froth with a hand or electric mixer until light and fluffy. The tea can be poured into a mug and the frothy milk stirred in, or the tea can be strained out and placed in a thermos to keep warm.
Garam Masala
Garam masala is a combination of aromatic spices used to enhance the flavor of any dish. It is a versatile blend of warming (cinnamon, cloves), sweet (nutmeg) and sharper (black pepper) herbs and spices. It is the backbone of many Indian dishes and is an integral part of Indian cuisine. The word “garam” means hot and refers to the warming effect that the spices have on the body. This is a great recipe to use in any veg curry, paneer recipes, or even just plain boiled veggies. It adds a lot of flavor and makes your food taste delicious. However, it is very important to choose the right spice mix for your body type and taste buds. Too much pungent spices can lead to acidity, indigestion and dehydration.
If you are allergic to any of the ingredients then you can substitute them with something else that suits your palate. It is also a good idea to make this recipe in small batches and then store it in an airtight glass container in the fridge. The garam masala will lose its potency if stored for too long so it is best to use it as soon as possible. The ingredients in this recipe are all easily available at any grocery store. You can also find them online. This is a very simple and easy to make recipe that will give you great results!
The basic spices for this recipe are cinnamon sticks, whole black peppercorns, coriander seeds (kaala zeera), and cloves. Some recipes will also include bay leaves, mace, fennel seeds (also known as saunf), and star anise. The fennel seeds help balance out the heat and pungent flavour of the other spices in this blend. They are also an excellent digestive aid. You can replace the bay leaves with Indian bay leaves, which have a different aroma and are more fragrant than regular bay leaves. Using this substitution will change the taste of the garam masala slightly, but it will still be good. You can also replace the nutmeg with mace, which will give you a more exotic flavour.
Tea
Tea is a beverage that was first brewed in India and is now enjoyed all over the world. It is an invigorating drink that boosts energy levels and keeps you alert throughout the day. Historically, tea has also been consumed for its health benefits. It can aid in weight loss, improve cardiovascular health and lower the risk of developing cancer. It is a good source of antioxidants, which help prevent cell damage and protect against aging. When the British began to lose their tea market in China, they looked for a new supplier and discovered the Indian tea plantations in Assam. They introduced black tea to the masses in India by adding milk and spices, creating masala chai. This drink has since become the nation’s favourite. The tea industry in India is the second largest in the world after China, and the demand for high quality Assam tea has increased globally.
In order to make tea, the leaves are rolled, fermented and then dried using heat. The process of withering, which is done before rolling, helps to oxidize the leaf, and it is during this time that proteins, sugars and polyphenols are dissolved and mix with one another. This is when the distinctive flavour of a particular type of tea is produced. Mechanized systems can reduce the withering time, but they can also compromise the quality of the finished product. The spice blend used in tea, like cinnamon, ginger and cloves is rich in anti-oxidants, and is known for its healing properties. These spices can relieve indigestion, soothe menstrual cramps, prevent bloating and regulate cholesterol levels. In addition, the mixture of these ingredients can increase immunity and ward off diseases like diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.
We at Tea Trove offer a variety of Indian Masala teas, made from high-quality Assam CTC Tea and infused with spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and cloves to create the perfect cup of chai. Our teas are carefully sourced and produced to bring you the true taste of India, whilst maintaining strict standards for health and sustainability.
Health Benefits
Garam masala is a powerful mixture of spices with a wealth of therapeutic health benefits. It contains anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, anti-diabetics, antimicrobials, anti-carcinogenic, and lipid-lowering compounds. In addition to this, it also helps improve the overall immunity of the body. This is because the spices that are included in this blend have a number of properties that improve metabolism, increase blood flow and supply of oxygen to the cells in the body, and flush out toxins from the system. One of the most well-known health benefits of garam masala is that it facilitates better digestion. This is due to the fact that garam masala is a warming spice, which means it increases the temperature of the body and stimulates the digestive process. In addition, it helps fight against bloating and flatulence. The ingredients in garam masala are rich in iron, which helps to increase blood heamoglobin levels and reduce ailments like anemia.
The spice mix is also a good source of magnesium, which can help to relieve stress and tension. It can also help to ease indigestion, which is an issue for many people. In addition, the spices in garam masala can help to balance blood sugar and regulate cholesterol levels, which can reduce the risk of heart disease. Garam masala also has carminative properties, which can help to promote the health of the intestines. This can help to prevent issues like bloating, constipation, and nausea. It can also help to fight against acidity. The spices in garam masala are also known to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help prevent conditions like arthritis.
Conclusion
In addition, the spices in garam masala are also beneficial for preventing cancer. Cloves in garam masala are known to be a natural anti-cancer agent. They can help reduce the growth of cancerous cells and even stop their spread. Black pepper in garam masala is also known to prevent the development of free radicals in the body, which can lead to cancer. Another important health benefit of garam masala is that it can help to prevent Alzheimer’s and other neurological diseases. This is because the spices in garam masala are rich in antioxidants, which can protect the brain from damage. Additionally, the piperine in black pepper can help prevent cognitive decline and slow down dementia.
