Kerala is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, characterized by bold flavors and aromatic spices. At Kerala Spices Wholesale, we bring you authentic spice blends that capture the essence of traditional Kerala cooking. Here are the top five Kerala masala blends that deserve a place in your kitchen and tips to make the most of them in your cooking.
1. Garam Masala
Overview: Garam masala is a versatile spice blend used in a wide variety of Indian dishes. Kerala’s version features a unique balance of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg.
How to Use:
- Sprinkle garam masala at the end of cooking to enhance the aroma of curries, stews, and biryanis.
- Use it in marinades for meats and vegetables.
Authentic Recipe Tip: Add a pinch to Kerala-style chicken curry or vegetable stew to give it a fragrant finish.
2. Sambar Masala
Overview: Sambar masala is the backbone of the classic South Indian lentil stew, sambar. It’s a harmonious blend of coriander, red chilies, fenugreek, and asafoetida.
How to Use:
- Mix sambar masala with tamarind pulp and cooked lentils to create the perfect base for sambar.
- Enhance vegetable stir-fries with a small amount.
Authentic Recipe Tip: Pair with dosas or idlis for a true Kerala breakfast experience.
3. Fish Masala
Overview: Kerala’s coastal cuisine shines with its fish preparations, and fish masala is an essential ingredient. It’s a blend of turmeric, red chili, fennel, and black pepper.
How to Use:
- Marinate fish with fish masala, lemon juice, and salt before frying or grilling.
- Use it to prepare Kerala’s iconic fish curry by mixing it with coconut milk and tamarind.
Authentic Recipe Tip: Try it in Meen Moilee (Kerala-style fish curry with coconut milk) for a burst of flavor.
4. Meat Masala
Overview: This robust blend of spices is perfect for meat dishes, with ingredients like cloves, cumin, coriander, and star anise.
How to Use:
- Marinate chicken, mutton, or beef with meat masala, yogurt, and ginger-garlic paste for tender, flavorful results.
- Add it to gravies for rich and spicy meat curries.
Authentic Recipe Tip: Use it in Kerala-style beef fry or chicken roast for an authentic taste.
5. Rasam Powder
Overview: Rasam powder is a tangy and peppery blend used to make rasam, a traditional South Indian soup. Its key ingredients include black pepper, cumin, and tamarind.
How to Use:
- Dissolve rasam powder in water with tamarind pulp and tomatoes for a quick rasam.
- Use it as a light soup or pour it over rice for a comforting meal.
Authentic Recipe Tip: Add a touch of jaggery for a sweet twist to traditional Kerala rasam.
Tips for Storing Masala Blends
- Use Airtight Containers: Keep masala blends in airtight glass or stainless steel containers to retain freshness.
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Avoid exposing spices to moisture, heat, or direct sunlight.
- Use Dry Spoons: Always use dry utensils to scoop out the masala to prevent contamination.
Exploring Authentic Kerala Recipes
Using these masala blends, you can create a variety of traditional Kerala dishes, including:
- Avial: A mixed vegetable curry with coconut and curry leaves.
- Thoran: A stir-fried vegetable dish with grated coconut.
- Prawn Moilee: A creamy and mildly spiced prawn curry.
Each of these masalas from Kerala Spices Wholesale is crafted to help you recreate the magic of Kerala’s culinary traditions in your own kitchen. Elevate your cooking with our authentic spice blends and savor the true flavors of God’s Own Country!
