If you’ve never ground your own spices, you’re in for an aromatic surprise! Using fresh fragrant spices is one of the easiest ways to transform a dish from ordinary to exceptional.
Spices are piquant seasonings that come from the bark (cinnamon), buds (cloves), fruit (paprika), roots (ginger), or seeds (nutmeg) of plants. They contain essential oils and other flavor compounds which begin to lose their potency as soon as they are pulverized. Buying spices whole and grinding them yourself will produce a more fragrant taste and aroma than using their pre-ground counterparts.
With Thermomix®, you can grind fresh whole spices into spice mixes and pastes in seconds using the Turbo mode. Cinnamon, cumin, coriander, ginger, garam masala, cardamom, chili – the options are endless as well as exciting!
If you’re preparing a traditional Indian dish, make your own Madras Curry Powder by freshly grinding spices for a more authentic result. Adding spices to your cooking doesn’t necessarily make it hot and spicy. The best thing about making your own curry pastes or powders is that you have full control over how much heat they bring.
• Freshly ground spices are incredibly versatile. Use them to perk up a tasty Moroccan Lamb, add them to Pumpkin Spice Cake, or deliver a delicious kick to a Mango Chutney by grinding fresh Sichuan peppercorns and ginger. You can even toast your spices before grinding to produce a rich taste.
• You will get the most benefit from whole spices by grinding them when you need them. However, you can store them in an airtight container or screw-top jar to use later. This will result in spices that are fresher than the dried version you buy at the supermarket.
• Spices are an aromatic substances and do not like exposure to heat, light, humidity or air. A dark cupboard or cabinet, preferably one not near the stove, are perfect places to store your spices.
• Freshly ground spice mixes and pastes make wonderful personalized gifts for friends and loved ones. Using your Thermomix®, you can create your own spice mixes to match the personality or cooking style of the recipient – warm, sweet, fresh, delicate, fragrant, vibrant, or even hot and fiery!
