Want to be a pro at Indian cooking? A basic trick is to use the garam masala wisely. This masala which is usually a mix of 6 or more basic spices is like a secret weapon which can elevate the flavour and aroma of the food you cook anytime.

To help you start with it, we have given a few recipes as below. Try them at home and take your first step towards becoming a pro at Indian cooking.

1. Baingan ka bharta

Baingan ka bharta is a popular dish in North India. For those who don’t about it, Baingan ka bharta is a simple vegetable dish wherein Baingan i.e., Eggplant is cooked and further mixed with a medium-spicy gravy which has a dash of garam masala in it. If you want to make it spicy then you can add more spice to it. Serve the dish with hot chapattis and enjoy a soulful meal.

Ingredients:

  • 3 medium-sized Baingan (Eggplant)
  • 2 finely chopped onions
  • 2 finely chopped tomatoes
  • 2 green chillies
  • 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
  • ½ tablespoon coriander powder
  • ½ tablespoon cumin powder
  • ½ tablespoon garam masala
  • Vegetable oil
  • Salt to taste

Method: 

  • Roast the Baingan on gas till it looks quite soft. Roast it on a low flame and keep turning its sides occasionally. Remember, the inner flesh should become extremely moist before you take it off the flame. You can also roast the Baingan in an oven.
  • Once it is ready, keep it aside till it cools down completely. Later, peel off the skin, mash the Baingan well and let it rest for a while.
  • While the Baingan rests, pour some vegetable oil in a pan and set the flame at medium.
  • Once the oil heats up, add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
  • Now add onions and cook until they are soft and transparent in appearance. Later, add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
  • Now, add tomatoes and green chillies. Mix well and cook the mixture till tomatoes turn soft and mushy.
  • Once they turn so, add coriander powder, cumin powder, salt, and garam masala. Mix it well and let the spices cook for 3-5 minutes. Once the spices cook, you will get a tempting smell from the mixture which is due to the presence of garam masala. Be careful while adding the spices and use the exact quantity mentioned. If you change the proportion of these spices, especially garam masala, you will alter the flavour of the dish completely.
  • Add the mashed Baingan and mix it well with the mixture. Cook for another minute and then take it off the flame.
  • Serve the dish with hot chapattis and some daal.

2. Spicy aloo ka cheela

A breakfast recipe which is simple and yet very tasty – ‘Spicy aloo ka cheela’ is a must-try dish. Unlike the traditional version of the dish, this version will trigger your taste-buds while proving to be healthy as well. We say it is healthy because it contains garam masala which is known to improve digestive health.

Ingredients:

  • 3 large potatoes
  • 2 tablespoon cornflour
  • 2 tablespoon gram flour
  • ½ tablespoon garam masala
  • ½ tablespoon cumin seeds
  • A pinch of black pepper
  • Vegetable oil
  • Salt to taste

Method: 

  • Peel the skill of potatoes and grate them well.
  • Soak the grated potatoes for about 5 minutes till you see that the starch is separated.
  • Once the starch is separated, squeeze the potatoes and drain off the water. Ensure that no water remains in the potatoes or else your cheela won’t turn out well.
  • Now add cornflour and gram flour. Combine it well. You can also add more if the potatoes contain water yet.
  • Now add garam masala, cumin seeds, a pinch of black pepper, and salt to it. Mix well.
  • Take a tawa and a few tablespoons of oil to it. Once the tawa is heated, spread one tablespoon of potato mixture on it. You can shape it the way you want.
  • If it is sticking on to the tawa, sprinkle some oil on the sides.
  • Cook it on a medium flame till the cheela is golden brown and crisp.
  • Serve hot with green chutney.

3. Flavourful tomato dal

A hot and flavourful tomato dal is a favourite among Indian households! Such a dal is easy to make and can be made within a few minutes. The recipe given below is just another version of the traditional tomato dal which is made from toor dal. Here, red lentils have been used which are highly beneficial for one’s health and to increase the effectiveness and the flavour of the dal, garam masala has been used. Addition to garam masala also lends a great aroma to the dish!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of red lentils
  • 2 finely chopped onions
  • 3 finely chopped tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 2 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • Water
  • Few coriander leaves

Method: 

  • Heat 2 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a kadhai.
  • Sauté onions in it till they turn brown in colour. This will take about 7-8 minutes.
  • Once the onions have become brown and soft, add garam masala. Cook till the garam masala gives a fragrant aroma. This is a sign that it is cooked.
  • Now add the red lentils and mix well.
  • Add some water to the mixture according to the consistency you want. Let it boil.
  • Once the dal starts boiling, add tomatoes, cover, and let the dal cook for about 15 minutes.
  • Later, uncover and cook the dal for another 5 minutes. By this time, the lentils will become extremely soft and ready to eat.
  • Garnish the dish with a few coriander leaves and serve it with rice.

In all these recipes, garam masala plays a vital role in the flavour of the dish. Hence, use good quality garam masala only and in stated quantities. Vasant Garam masala is made from a mix of 16 basic spices which are ground in hygienic facilities under the supervision of expert technicians. All these factors make our garam masala extremely rich in flavour.

Now, get 30% extra on 100 g packets of Vasant Garam masala. To grab this pack, visit our nearest store today. Offer valid for a limited period only.