What is round, made up of stainless steel and found in nearly every Indian home?
Our Masala Dabba (Indian spice box).
And though the cook in me loves the utility of having a box like this the dreamer-me wants something more vintage-y and charming.
Come join me and drool.
How about a carved wooden box?
A Persian brass spice box. Ornate. I possess a modern Indian version of the same.
Yes, this one. Have never used it store my spices though. Its not an airtight box and that has always discouraged me from making it a home for my masalas.
And now I share with you the prettiest spice box ever.
The reason why I wrote this post. I want.
These boxes could make very good gifts. For a food lover who wants to experiment with Indian cooking this could be just the thing. And it needn't be the usual turmeric, cumin, chilli powder thing...include some of those secret mixes that you use in your cooking...
Mine would contain the following (with nice to know facts about each one and recipes too);Any takers :)):
Garam masala (a North Indian warm spice blend), Panch phoran (an East Indian five spice blend), Madras curry powder (an aromatic south Indian blend; I swear by Camellia Panjabi's recipe, Rajma masala (for some punjabi flavor),Tandoori masala (perfect for marinating and grilling) and a Lassi masala (for those hot summers).
All homemade.
At the very center I would like some bright yellow haldi (turmeric)
I know what I am going to give a certain Miss K the next time she comes down to India:)
If you have any homemade spice rubs or masala recipes, do share.Image : 1,2, 3, 4 and one from my personal album
My favorite recipe (actually now the most requested dish for any potluck/party) is my achaari chicken. It uses the panch phoran masala as the base and a generous pich of kasoori methi to lend it the most mouth watering flavor. The longer it stays, the better it gets (never lasts more than a day though!). :) I'll try to share the recipe on my blog sometime soon.
ReplyDelete:)
That last spice box (from plumo?) I've been eying it for ages. Is it available in Delhi anywhere now? Do let me know, I'll add it on my list of things to lust after and hopefully pick up on my next trip to India....
yumm...sounds good..must give it a try. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI have just about begun hunting for it..if i come across it..will be definitely picking two..wink wink...:))