We love cooking red lentils because they are rich in protein, folate, dietary fiber, potassium and magnesium. Lentils help reduce high cholesterol, promote regular bowel movement, stablize blood sugar level, increase energy, and improve blood flow and oxygen in the body. It even helps with weight loss because it is low in calories and fat!

Did you know that ¹⁄₄ of a cup of red lentils have more protein, less fat and less cholesterol than one hard-boiled egg?

Garam masala is a ground spice blend used in South Asian and Southeast Asian dishes. The spices used vary depending on the region and many have adopted their own versions. The common spices used are cardamon, clove, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, peppercorn, and nutmeg. Some add fennel seed, nigella seeds, dry mango, mace, anistar, different types of chili and even mustard seeds.

Uses: It can be used in stews, soups, marinades, salad dressings, as a rub, in boiled rice and even in desserts.

Storage: Using a tin can with double lids is the best way to keep ground spices fresh. We use tea tin metal containers for our spices.

The garam masala spice we use is store bought. It has coriander, red chili, cumin, clove, anistar, mace, fennel, black pepper, bay leaves, cinnamon, dry mango, salt and clove leaves. However, you can also make your own spice blend by using the common spices mentioned above.