Garam Masala is a warm, aromatic spice blend commonly used in North Indian cuisine. It typically includes spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cumin, coriander, and black pepper, which are toasted and ground.
Butter Chicken (serves 2)
Ingredients:
- 250g chicken, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/4 cup cream
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Marinate the chicken in yogurt, half the garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill or pan-fry the chicken until almost done.
- In a pan, heat butter and add ginger-garlic paste. Sauté for a minute.
- Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates.
- Add cream, remaining garam masala, and grilled chicken. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Serve hot with naan or rice.
Chana Masala (serves 2)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute.
- Add tomatoes, turmeric powder, chili powder, and salt. Cook until tomatoes are soft.
- Add chickpeas and garam masala. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Serve hot with rice or roti.