DIY SPICE MIX: Curry, Cajun, Garam Masala plus Chinese Five-spice

-
Because of the pandemic, I didn't get to buy spices anytime I ran out. I bought my spices when I got the chance to buy some in the mall supermarkets with no particular menu in mind. I also side-buy some available spices whenever I buy cocosugar online to maximize the shipping and seize the opportunity. 

Just this new year of 2022, I inventoried my spices and made some mix already. This mix allows the other "cooks in the house" to use the spices without awaiting for me. Lo and behold, I got a lot that will last me a good six months to a year.

I use coriander seeds or anise palay/fennel seeds alone in barbecue as it is reminiscent of lamb skewers we had in the sidewalk of Hutong area in Beijing. The aroma left me a happy memory.

I also suggest keeping turmeric spice alobe for tea or coloring to soups, salad dressings, and fried rice. Cinnamon powder for sprinkling on your cookies, biscuits and fresh fruits. 

But it pays to jar some mixtures to save time. Blender or mortar and pestle will be you aid here if you have the whole seed. 

CAJUN SEASONING:
Paprika
Cayenne pepper
Garlic
Onion
Black pepper
Crushed red pepper
Thyme
Oregano

Two parts Paprika, Cayenne pepper, Garlic and Onion and 1 part Black pepper, Crushed red pepper, Thyme, and Oregano

Uses: To add spicy kick to soup dishes. Sprinkle on friend fish and chicken and fries to lend some fire. 




GARAM MASALA
cumin
Coriander
Cardamom
Blackpepper
Cinnamon
Cloves
Nutmeg

Mix two parts cumin, Coriander, Cardamom
and Blackpepper and one part Cinnamon, Cloves, and Nutmeg

Check out my previous blog on this one:

For beef stews and beef soups, use Chinese Five Spice. Luckily, my friend gifted me the mixture which I still keep in my pantry. But I made mine years ago with equal parts of cinnamon powder, star anise, fennel seeds, black pepper, and cloves.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Do you still remember how Sarali or Sirali taste?

-
Image
This "Sarali" is a childhood fruit for everyone who grew up in the Visayan area of the Philippines. Also known as  Flacourtia jangomas or Indian Plum or coffee plum, Sarali is best enjoyed by pressing one fruit between one's palm, move it in circular motion until tender, and pop the soft flesh quickly in one's mouth save the seeds. Just like apple, this fruit oxidizes quickly and thus, gets dark brown easily. It can give one's teeth a nasty brown shade. Sour with a hint of sweet, this is a must-try fruit. I believe, the fruit has an economic value just like sarguellas and lanzones. *** *** *** ***  Related readings:  Possible Treatment of Diabetes http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2959214/ Anti bacterial property:  http://www.ijplsjournal.com/issues%20PDF%20files/july2011/1.pdf
Read more

TIKUM KADLUM (The Enchanted Dog, The First of the Ten Epics of Panay Bukidnon)

-
Image
At the house. One day, Bulawanon engaged the help of Tikum Kadlum, a hunting dog with the gift of sensing the spirits, in cooking rice for his husband Paiburong and his brother Dumaraog who will be going hunting. When the rice was cooked, the brothers ate fast. Then, while Bulawanon packed the betel nut for her husband, Paiburong and Dumaraog dressed themselves, with Dumaraog suggesting they match their sashes and belts, since he is his brother's loyal protector. To complete their hunting preparations, the two brought out their long-bladed sharp knives, shields, spears, and lances from their gold chest and wall hanger. When everything is set, Paiburong bade goodbye to his wife, Bulawanon, who reminded her husband to be careful as he might meet in the forest one named Makabagting, who is accompanied by a man-eating woman called Muwa. Makabagting is a nobleman and a warrior who is widely known as having tasted human flesh. Paiburong went out of his house, and he heard a sound. It
Read more

The Legend of Isla Gigantes in Carles, Iloilo*

-
Image
The Legend of Isla Gigantes in Carles, Iloilo* In a place called Punta Bulakawe in the town of Carles, there was a childless couple who endlessly asked for a child. They were blessed with a son who grew up too fast. Too fast he grew that he can no longer enter thier house when he was one and all men were only as tall as his knees. The giant child grew up and spent his adolescence in a mountain known as the Beheya Hill. Everytime this giant walked, the surroundings shook. Each of his step meant earthquake for everyone. This made everyone fear him. Because of his steps, he was called Higante Tay-og -- literally means Giant Quake. Higante Tay-og decided to remain in Beheya Hill which he could access by two or three steps only. To entertain himself, he learned to smoke cigars. Each time he exhale smoke from his cigar, the surroundings dim. When he accidentally inhaled the smoke, he coughed; the folks feared it like thunder that shook the surro
Read more