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Author Topic: Which off-the-shelf or garam masala recipe would you recommend?  (read 6,275 times)

AI Summary
The discussion centers around the challenges of making Garam Masala at home, with the original poster seeking recommendations for off-the-shelf options and reliable recipes. Several members suggest that while homemade Garam Masala can be superior, many find it overrated in certain dishes, particularly in British Indian Restaurant (BIR) cooking, where pre-made blends like East End are recommended. The consensus leans towards using commercial blends for convenience, especially for beginners, while also acknowledging the importance of personal taste in spice selection.

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Offline CS4

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Which off-the-shelf or garam masala recipe would you recommend?
« on: September 21, 2009, 04:39 PM »
 I've read many recipes on base gravy and curries which really doesn't faze me. The only part that does is making my own Garam Masala because the two times I've tried it tastes and smells like a dogs dinner.

So my 2 questions are: Is there an off shelf  Garam Masala that anyone would recommend using, and is there a fail safe Garam Masala recipe you'd advise using?

Thanks in advance.
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Offline 976bar

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Re: Off the shelf Garam Masala?
« Reply #1 on: September 21, 2009, 05:16 PM »
Quote from: CS4 on September 21, 2009, 04:39 PM

I've read many recipes on base gravy and curries which really doesn't faze me. The only part that does is making my own Garam Masala because the two times I've tried it tastes and smells like a dogs dinner.

So my 2 questions are: Is there an off shelf  Garam Masala that anyone would recommend using, and is there a fail safe Garam Masala recipe you'd advise using?

Thanks in advance.

Hi CS4,

Don't give up on the Garam Masala, you can make better from here than anything off the shelf.

It is an experiment, as everyone will tell you, I like this a bit more or I like that a bit more when it comes down to individual spices. People on here have spent many years experimenting to get "their" preferred taste. it's a bit like going to a BIR in the outer Hebrides and trying another on the Isle of Wight, all will be different, but you need to find you're own medium as tastes and arguments/discussions on here will be the same as world politics...... Who's right? Idi Armin liked human flesh, I prefer Chicken......

So take a look at the recipes on here, try them, and adapt them to suit what you like best.

Enjoy the forum, we all do :)
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Offline CS4

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Re: Off the shelf Garam Masala?
« Reply #2 on: September 21, 2009, 09:01 PM »
976bar Thank you for the rapid response. I understand what you're saying and will take this onboard.
One last question before mustering up a shopping list, is does one Garam Masala cover all dishes from the dark to the pale dishes, or is there more than one GM to master for the range of dishes?

Regards.

CS4

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Offline 976bar

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Re: Off the shelf Garam Masala?
« Reply #3 on: September 21, 2009, 09:06 PM »
Quote from: CS4 on September 21, 2009, 09:01 PM
976bar Thank you for the rapid response. I understand what you're saying and will take this onboard.
One last question before mustering up a shopping list, is does one Garam Masala cover all dishes from the dark to the pale dishes, or is there more than one GM to master for the range of dishes?

Regards.

CS4

Genrally, when you have found the type of GM you like most it will work with most dishes, but remember, that not all dishes require it.....

Hope this helps :)
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Offline JerryM

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Re: Off the shelf Garam Masala?
« Reply #4 on: September 22, 2009, 08:32 AM »
CS4,

u can almost forget garam masala in BIR for me. it's well over talked and over rated.

i have given up on making garam and buy East End (ashoka recommendation) - it tastes amazingly good.

i use it in the rajver base and the ashoka bhuna korahi. (can add links if u need). in the bhuna i've also tried replacing the garam with spice mix (kushi) and works just as good. i'm not convinced it really does that much in base. when my current packet comes to an end i can't see me buying more.

in everything else it takes the taste away from BIR (big style for me).

what is important though is to use some of the softer garam spices though in the base (can add more detail if u need) ie cardamom, bay etc

each to his own on this one. some will love and swear by it. u've got to make u're own mind up.
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Offline George

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Re: Off the shelf Garam Masala?
« Reply #5 on: September 23, 2009, 09:57 PM »
Quote from: JerryM on September 22, 2009, 08:32 AM
u can almost forget garam masala in BIR for me. it's well over talked and over rated.
in everything else it takes the taste away from BIR (big style for me).

I agree. In addition, I find it tends to make everything taste the same.
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Offline CS4

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Re: Off the shelf Garam Masala?
« Reply #6 on: September 24, 2009, 01:35 AM »

Thanks guys very interesting indeed, and any links are good if it doesn't break forum rules.
I'm going to try a curry this weekend so your input is much appreciated.
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Offline JerryM

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Re: Off the shelf Garam Masala?
« Reply #7 on: September 24, 2009, 07:18 AM »
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Offline CS4

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Re: Off the shelf Garam Masala?
« Reply #8 on: September 28, 2009, 10:57 AM »

Thank you Jerry. I'm looking now.
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Offline Panpot

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Re: Off the shelf Garam Masala?
« Reply #9 on: September 28, 2009, 11:37 AM »
I agree with JerryM CS4, I cant imagine any BIR having the time to prepare GM themselves and The Ashoka used East End as has been pointed out. There is more than enough to learn as a beginner with the site without being concerned with this level of detail unless of course your own emphasis is on traditional homecooking rather than BIR. Good luck the site can seriously change your life. PP
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