RE: [CH] Achar masala and momoya xo-jan
Frank J. Hashek (fhashek@comcast.net)
Thu, 4 Dec 2003 10:37:08 -0500
Alex,
The unusual ingredient is "Asafoetida". I've included a few links to
describe the spice, its production and uses. It is best used in small
quantities. Many Indian recipies call for "toasting" or otherwise heating
the spices (slowly in a low to medium heat frying pan) to prepare them for
use. The spice is basically a dried and ground product of the milk of
plants in the giant fennel family. It is rather foul smelling in its raw
form.
A Masala is simply a mixture of spices. If the people at the grocery are
knowledgeable, they should be able to tell you what the particular mix is
for and how to use it. You can experiment from there, once you understand
the basic use and methodology.
http://www.iisr.org/spices/asafoetida.htm
http://www.agriculture-industry-india.com/spices/asafoetida.html
http://www.fatfree.com/archive/2000/dec/msg00154.html
I have a recipe for Indian Lime Pickle that uses the spice. I got it from a
friend who was born and grew up in Bangalore. It is his Mother's recipe.
The pickles use whole limes, chiles, oil and spices. E-mail me privately if
you want it.
Blue skies,
Frank
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Snipped <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-chile-heads@globalgarden.com
> [mailto:owner-chile-heads@globalgarden.com]On Behalf Of Alex Silbajoris
> Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2003 7:59 AM
> To: chile-heads@globalgarden.com
> Subject: [CH] Achar masala and momoya xo-jan
>
>
>
> Browsing the spice aisle in the Indian grocery (Patel, a branch of Raja
> Foods) my eye landed on an invitingly red bag of Achar Masala
> under the Swad
> brand name that Raja sells. Unfortunately the bag I bought has a
> smear on
> the ingredient label, so I can't quite make out what's in it.
> There is red
> chili powder and mustard, and then something I can't read.
> Asafdenda? Then
> salt, fenugreek, and edible oil.
>
> I tried a small taste, and it's quite nasty. All right! I browsed
> rajafoods.com a bit, and although the site does not mention this product,
> some of the cooking tips mention heating a spice mixture in hot oil for a
> minute or two before adding the rest of the ingredients. So I'm guessing
> that this is not intended for snacking right out of the sack.
>
> - A
>