Sweet Masala Blend

Every season I tell myself, I am going to make a seasonal spice mix, and every season I get side tracked. But not this season! Goal accomplished and I am already seeing my  ROI.  The 15 minutes I invested to make my Breakfast Masala Mix for Fall has already saved me time, effort and less to clean up—my favorite. Now every time I make my morning porridge, eat fruit, make a batch of muesli and other dishes I have yet to explore, I am ready to spice it up.

I decided to keep my breakfast mix simple to 3 of my favorite Fall friendly spices, cinnamon, cardamom and ginger.  These warming spices are naturally sweet (except ginger).  A taste I want to embrace during vata or the Fall season. Their natural sweetness reduces my sugar intake while starting my morning off with the carminative energy I need to ignite my digestive fire.

For those occasions, the variety lover in me wants to add another spice into the mix, I have the flexibility to do so. It’s nice having a good seasonal base to begin with and the flexibility to for a little creative freedom to mix in other spices if desired.

Dosha: VPK
Season: Fall
Tastes: Pungent, Sweet
Total Time: 10-15 minutes
What you need: a cast iron or a skillet and an air-tight container
Ingredients:

• 1 part cardamom powder or 1 part + 1/3 part cardamom seeds
• 1 part cinnamon powder
• 1/2 part ginger powder

Step 1: If you are using cardamom seeds grind them into a fine powder with a mortar and pestle or a clean coffee grinder

Step 2: Using themedium setting on your stove, heat the skillet. When warm add all three spices and using a spatula gently stir until the spices are lightly toasted.  The air will  begin to smell like winter wonderland and that’s when you know your are done. Remove the pan from the heat and continue to stir to avoid burning the spices.  Toasting the spices releases their essential oils, which helps to intensify their flavors.  It also ignites their healing energy with the help of the ultimate transformer—fire.  

Step 3: Transfer the toasted spices to the storage container so that it is completely removed from the heat. Let cool before sealing the airtight container.

Enjoy with: Porridge, Fruit, Muesli, Galettes, Tarts, Cakes, Tea, Warm Milk,…I recently used it to make Cardamom-y Plantains & Ghee

Seasonal Spice Mix Benefits:

Toasting the spices releases their essential oils, which helps to intensify their flavors.  It also ignites their healing energy with the help of the ultimate transformer—fire.

Making small seasonal batches keeps spices fresh and their medicinal properties active

Using spices based on the season helps to maintain balance and keeps us in harmony with nature.

Mix-it-up!

Night Cap: 1/4 tsp Breakfast Masala Mix for Fall and 1/4 tsp of nutmeg simmered in 1 cup milk  and 1/4 cup water for 5-10 mins. Nutmeg is a mild sedative and helps get a restful night sleep
Mid-Day Treat: 1/4 tsp Breakfast Masala Mix for Fall and 1/4 tsp turmeric with a little maple syrup or raw sugar simmered for 5-10 minutes in 1 cup whole milk + 1/4 cup water.

Click to learn about the benefits of cinnamon, ginger and carminative spices.