The Best Spice You Aren't Using... Yet!

Have you tried garam masala yet?  If so, you know what I'm talking about!  If not, you really need to check it out.  I couldn't find it in the stores in my town so I mixed up my own.  But then I found a small container and thought I'd go ahead and pick it up.  Mostly because, I am not going to kid you, buying all the ingredients to make my own was kind of expensive.  Unfortunately, the store-bought-already-mixed-version was not nearly as good as my own.  So I have the little container available if I need it for a quick sprinkle, but for the most part I am just going to continue to mix my own.  The wonderful flavor it adds to my now-favorite-meatloaf is out of this world.

Apparently, there are many variations on this recipe but this is the one I recommend (also known as the easiest!) if you want to mix up your own garam masala (and I think you do).

Garam Masala

Garam Masala

2 tsp ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
3 tsp ground cumin
3 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground cloves

Measure out ingredients and put in a small clean jar.  Close lid tightly and shake to mix.



Since my favorite recipe for meatloaf in a mug only calls for a teaspoon at a time, this lasts a while.  If you go to the meatloaf link, just scroll down the second recipe.  It's so quick and easy, you just won't believe it.  Basically, pumpkin, ground beef, and garam masala.  Oh and a little sea salt.  I often mix up a few individual ones at a time and then I have them to grab and take to work to cook in the microwave.  Yes!  You cook them in the microwave.  That's the other thing that makes them so awesome.  I can make them at work and have a really yummy hot lunch.  You know my co-workers are jealous on meatloaf day!

What are you waiting for?  Go get you some!