Difference Between Curry Powder and Garam Masala

Curry Powder vs Garam Masala
 

Difference between curry powder and garam masala stems from the ingredients used and the way they are added to the cooking dishes. However, since both of them look similar and use spices, curry powder and Garam masala are two terms that are often confused when it comes to cuisine preparations. Garam masala has made a name for itself in the India cuisine, especially in the North Indian cuisine. The ingredients that are used in curry powder and garam masala, and the way they are added to food will be discussed in this article. That way you will be able to understand the difference between curry powder and garam masala.

Chefs are experts in the use of curry powder and garam masala. They know for sure the amount of garam masala to be added to a preparation. They are also adept in the use of curry powder and in the preparation of curry powder. It is important to know that curry powder is specially made in the case of chicken. It is otherwise called as chicken curry masala or simply as chicken masala.

What is Curry Powder?

Curry powder is yellowish orange in color. This is because of the turmeric used in the blend of curry powder. To be exact, the traditional curry powder is a collection of 20 ground spices and herbs. Nowadays, the more modern less complicated curry powder is used in cuisine. Curry powder is added mainly to curry to provide the extra taste to the taste buds. Coriander seeds are very much used in the preparation of curry powder. Spices like coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black mustard seeds, black peppercorn, dried red chillies, fenugreek seed, tumeric, and dried curry leaves are roasted and ground together in its preparation. It is important to know that curry powder should be used only to add to the curry and not to any other preparation. This curry powder is used for seasoning and to add flavor and color to a dish. If you want to add curry powder to a meal that you are preparing, add it at the early stages of cooking. That way you will be able to avoid the raw smell of the curry powder.

What is Garam Masala?

Garam masala is reddish or brownish in color. The Hindi words garam masala means warm spice or hot spice. It is interesting to note that garam masala is added to curry and other preparations to provide the extra taste. Garam masala does not include as many as 20 spices in the traditional curry powder blend. It consists of less number of spices. It is believed that garam masala is nutritious in the sense that it is made from the combination of spices, cereals, salt, grams and the like that are rich in protein and mineral content. Garam masala is known as a special kind of spice blend. This is because it consists of spices that belong to different categories. For example, it has cinnamon that is considered sweet with coriander that is considered savory.

Spices like coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black peppercorn, shahjeera, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, dried ginger, bay leaves, and grams and cereals are used in the making and the preparation of garam masala. People like garam masala in the preparation of food items and curry items such as lady’s finger curry and potato curry. Since some of the ingredients used in making garam masala start to give a bitter taste if they are cooked for a long period, the best time to add garam masala to a food item is toward the final stages of cooking or even after the food has come off the stove.

What is the difference between Curry Powder and Garam Masala?

• Curry powder is yellowish orange in color. Garam masala is reddish or brownish in color.

• Curry powder is used for seasoning, to add flavor and color to a dish. Garam masala is used as a final seasoning of a dish.

• Spices like coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black mustard seeds, black peppercorn, dried red chillies, fenugreek seed, tumeric, and dried curry leaves are roasted and ground together in its preparation. Spices like coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black peppercorn, shahjeera, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, dried ginger, bay leaves, and grams and cereals are used in the making and the preparation of garam masala.

• Curry powder is added to the cooking in the early stages to avoid the raw smell of it. Garam masala is added to the final stages of the cooking. This is because some ingredients used in garam masala turn bitter when cooked for a longer time. Adding garam masala after the food is cooked is also accepted.

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