Page 4 - BrockCoNewsletter-MarchApril-2022

Spice It Up: GARAM MASALA

Are you looking to expand your palate to Adding this spice toward the end of cooking
include global flavors? Try garam masala, adds both flavor and aroma to a variety
a blend of ground spices that offer a hotter of dishes. Whether meat or fish, vegan
seasoning type and a spicy aroma. Garam or vegetarian dishes, or soups containing
means “hot,” and masala means “spices”. So legumes or vegetables, this spice adds flavor
by definition, this spice has a hot flavor. This dimension to all.
spice is a blend of several spices such as fennel, You can find garam masala in the spice aisle
bay leaves, peppercorn, cinnamon, mace, in either a traditional or Indian grocery
coriander, and chili powder. It originates from store. However, to be more cost-effective,
South Asia and is used primarily in Indian, you can purchase the individual ingredients
Pakistani, and Afghan cuisine. Each region at the grocer and make your version of
has a slightly different flavor profile because garam masala that will last about six months
the ingredients in garam masala will vary. The when stored in an air-tight glass container.
flavor it delivers is warm and sweet with a
touch of heat because of the peppers noted Source:
in the ingredients. You will often find garam https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garam_
masala in ground form. Adding vinegar, masala
coconut milk, or water can form a paste which https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-is-
recipes may include in the ingredient list. garam-masala-995690

spotlight on superfOOds:

QUINOA

Quinoa is a plant native to the Andean Substituting animal protein with quinoa
region of South America but is now grown is a great way to consume those complete
worldwide. It is often referred to as a proteins. You can present quinoa in a savory
superfood or super grain. The seeds and or sweet manner, and you can find it in
leaves of the plant are edible. The leaves breakfast, side dishes, lunch, and dinner
are served like spinach, and the seeds are recipes. Including quinoa in recipes adds
prepared and served like rice. a lot to the dish’s flavor profile. Due to
being high in fiber, quinoa aids in lowering
Quinoa is high in complex carbohydrates,
protein, and provides an ample amount of overall cholesterol levels and helps maintain
fiber. The levels of beneficial vitamins and a healthy gut microbiome.
minerals are also high. This grain is gluten- Sources:
free, so it can be enjoyed by those that http://4lifegrains.com/royal_quinua_grains.
follow a gluten-free diet. html
The protein found in quinoa is known https://www.livescience.com/50400-quinoa-
as a complete protein. This designation nutrition-facts.html
means you will find all the essential amino https://www.britannica.com/plant/quinoa
acids that one must include in the diet.