Masala Vegetable

A masala is a blend of spices – it may contain two or three, or a dozen or more. It may be added to the dish, whole or ground, at different stages of cooking. The flavours can be mild and fragrant or more highly spiced, depending on the dish in which the masala is to be used. The spices for the masalas are usually dry-fried before grinding, which greatly enhances their flavour.

Vegetable masala   This blend of spices is particularly suited to vegetable recipes, but can also be use with poultry and prawns. The main ingredients are black pepper, cinnamon, fenugreek seeds, mustard seeds, anise seeds, bay leaves, and cloves.

Culinary uses   It gives a wonderful aroma and a mild spicy flavour, and is often used to complement dishes which use coconut milk.