Masala & Spices Mix

Khichuri, also spelled as khichdi or khichri, is a popular one-pot rice and lentil dish that is commonly eaten in South Asia. It is made by cooking rice and lentils together with spices, vegetables, and sometimes meat or fish. The dish is known for its simplicity, versatility, and nutritional value, and is considered to be a comfort food in many parts of the region.

Khichuri can be prepared in many different ways, depending on the region and the ingredients available. In some parts of India, it is made with basmati rice and yellow lentils (moong dal), while in Bangladesh, it is typically made with short-grain rice and split red lentils (masoor dal). Some variations also include additional spices, such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala.

Khichuri is often served with accompaniments such as pickles, chutneys, and yogurt, and is considered to be a complete meal in itself. It is also a popular food during religious festivals and fasting periods and is believed to be easy to digest and soothing for the stomach.

Dried Celery Seeds ( Radhuni, রাঁধুনি দানা )

Radhuni seeds, also known as wild celery seeds or ajmod seeds, are a spice commonly used in Bengali cuisine, particularly in dishes from Bangladesh. The seeds have a strong, pungent flavor and a unique aroma that is similar to parsley, fennel, and cumin.

Radhuni seeds are often used in spice blends such as panch phoron, which is a mix of five different whole spices including cumin, mustard, fenugreek, fennel, and radhuni seeds. The spice blend is commonly used to flavor lentil and vegetable dishes, as well as meat and fish curries.

In addition to its culinary uses, radhuni seeds are also believed to have medicinal properties and are used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of ailments. They are thought to aid in digestion, improve appetite, and have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Radhuni seeds can be found in many Indian and Bangladeshi grocery stores and online retailers. They are a unique and flavorful spice that can add depth and complexity to your favorite dishes.

Garam masala is a blend of ground spices commonly used in Indian cuisine. The name "garam masala" literally means "hot mixture," but it does not necessarily refer to the heat level of the spices. Rather, it refers to the warming effect that the blend has on the body.

Garam masala typically contains a mixture of spices such as cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Other spices like nutmeg, mace, and bay leaves may also be added, depending on the recipe and regional variations.

To use garam masala in cooking, it is typically added towards the end of the cooking process to preserve its flavors. It can be used to flavor a variety of dishes, including curries, soups, stews, and even baked goods.

Garam masala is widely available in Indian grocery stores and online, and can also be made at home by grinding together whole spices. It should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

"Garam masala" is een mengsel van gemalen specerijen dat veel wordt gebruikt in de Indiase keuken. De naam "garam masala" betekent letterlijk "heet mengsel", maar dit verwijst niet noodzakelijkerwijs naar het pittige niveau van de specerijen. Het verwijst eerder naar het verwarmende effect dat het mengsel op het lichaam heeft.

Garam masala bevat meestal een mix van specerijen zoals komijn, koriander, kardemom, kaneel, kruidnagel en zwarte peper. Andere specerijen zoals nootmuskaat, foelie en laurierblaadjes kunnen ook worden toegevoegd, afhankelijk van het recept en regionale variaties.

Om garam masala te gebruiken bij het koken, wordt het meestal aan het einde van het kookproces toegevoegd om de smaken te behouden. Het kan worden gebruikt om een verscheidenheid aan gerechten op smaak te brengen, waaronder curry's, soepen, stoofschotels en zelfs gebak.

Garam masala is ruim verkrijgbaar in Indiase supermarkten en online, en het kan ook thuis worden gemaakt door hele specerijen samen te malen. Het moet worden bewaard in een luchtdichte container op een koele, droge plaats.