2 minute read

TheSpiceofLife:UnderstandingtheDifferencesbetween CurryPowder

andGaramMasala

Two separate Indian spice blends, curry powder and garam masala, are employed for various reasons. It's time to stop using garam masala and curry powder randomly in a meal if youdon't know what they are or if you swap one for the other A spice mixture called garam masala is frequently mistaken for curry powder This article explains how the two vary and how to properlyutilisecurrypowderorgarammasalawhenpreparingIndianfood.

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One similarity between the two spices isthatwhilecurrypowderisnotatraditionalIndianspice present in every Indian home, garam masala is. Findoutwhatspicesareneededtomakeboth,if curry powder maybeusedinplaceofgarammasala,howtousecurrypowderinIndiancooking, andmorebycontinuingtoread.

GaramMasala:WhatIsIt?

The king of Indian spices, garam masala, is a staple in every Indian home. It is a mixture of warming spices that can be added to food during cookingorasafinishingseasoningtoimprove the flavour. There is no standard recipe for this spice blend because garam masala recipes vary by location and household. The best garam masala blend can be sourced from VLC Spice Company,whichisamongtheleadinggarammasalamanufacturersinIndia.

Curry powder or masala is not an Indian spice, to start. And, second, curry powder isn't truly necessary to prepare Indian food! Has it just raised your brows or made you more confused? These claims are accurate, especially in regards to traditional Indian cuisine. As you can see, both powders are spice mixtures created from a variety of spices. Curry powder and garam masala have varied uses, just like taco seasoning and fajita seasoning are two distinct yet comparablespiceblendsusedforcreatingvariouscuisines.

IngredientsusedinGaramMasalavs.CurryMasala

It is extremely uncommon to find recipes that are exactly the same for producing homemade garam masala and currypowderspiceblends,andevencommerciallypurchasedpre-mixedspice blends taste different. However, one can source a customized garam masala blend from VLC Spices,oneofthebestgarammasalamanufacturersinIndia.

In comparison to curry powder, a garam masala mix uses more of the following warm spices, bothintermsofamountanduse:

Primaryspicesingarammasala:

Greencardamom

Blackcardamom

Cloves

Cinnamon

Nutmeg

Primaryspicesincurrypowder:

Powderedturmeric,coriander,cumin,greencardamom,chillipowder

Mustard

Cancurrypowderbeusedinsteadofgarammasalaorviceversa?

The amount of each spice used varies among the different spice blend recipes. In contrast to currypowder,whichhasmildspices,garammasalapowderhasstronger,morepungentspices. This immediately distinguishes the flavour profiles of the two spices. In a perfect world, it shouldn't be substituted because the two have different flavour profiles and tastes. But many people do, either because there isn't a good option or because they aren'tawareoftheimportant butminutedifferencesbetweenthetwo.

It's important to keep in mind that you should only combine these two in moderation. A combination of turmeric, coriander, and cumin powder will work asthemostaccuratesubstitute for curry powder, while black cardamon, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg, either combined as a powder or just crushed and added whole, will be the best substitute for garam masala. The superior quality ground spices and whole spices can be easily sourced fromVLCSpices,oneof the top whole-spice exporters in India. Therefore, it is recommendedtoNOTuseoneofthemin placeoftheother.

WheretobuyauthenticGaramMasala?

These days, the majority of big storescarrybothofthesespices.Youmayfindthespicesatyour neighbourhood ethnic or Indian store. You can also get them online from VLC Spices, whichis among the best Indian spice blend manufacturers. VLC is well-known for offering large quantities of Indian spices online. Offering private labellinganddesigning,VLCoffersavariety of choices, including unique spice blends, bulkpackaging,standuppouchpackaging,andplastic bottlepackaging.

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