Discover Birth Masala and its benefits!
by Karine Lemoine
Birth Masala - Oriental flavors mixed with South Africa
What is Birth Masala?
Birth Masala is a special blend of spices transmitted by Indian ancestors living in South Africa.
As the name suggests, “birth” means birth in French,it was mainly used and still is now used to help young mothers after giving birth to their child.
Cespice mixis brown and has an authentic aroma.
It is traditionally prepared by the ancients and has the benefit of helping the young mother after giving birth toProduce breast milk.
This natural remedy would also help to heal from the stress of childbirth and to detoxify the body.
In general,most people cook it with chickenIn a curry, a dish called Marandhu Sellu, in the Tamil dialect, orIt is also prepared in soup.
Although some may not like the taste, the distinctive flavors of Birth Masala have certainly helped a lot of people after giving birth so much that it has become a tradition.
However, this mixture is not exclusively intended for young mothers who have just given birth.
You can also use it to prepare Rasam, also known as king's soup, which helps reduce cold symptoms.
The benefits of spices in Birth Masala
This special blend was combined at the beginning with itshealing properties.
While the new generation is somewhat spoiled by the luxury of store-bought condiments, older generations have had a difficult life and have often resorted toPreparing spicesthe most accessible from scratch.
Ancient people knew the benefits of each spice. Thus, when they prepared certain mixtures, the preparation corresponded to a specific physical pain.
Below is a list of the ingredients used in this authentic blend:
The ingredients used in the original Birth Masala
- The seeds ofCarom/Ajowan*- are known for theirantiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- The seeds ofcoriander- arerich in folic acid, iron, zinc, zinc, vitamin C and copper.
- The seeds ofcumin- haveantioxidantsthat help fight cell damage.
- The powder ofginger- isAn anti-inflammatory and aid in digestion as well as in the management of common flu symptoms.
- The powder ofturmeric- is alsoanti-inflammatory and helps to reduce swelling and improve overall health.
*Ajowan seeds are similar to celery seeds. They are sold whole; when crushed, they have a fairly powerful thyme flavor.
How do you do Birth Masala?
Few people know how to make this special mixture. It was taught by the elders who kept secret in the family circle within the Indian community.
Today you can go to yourlocal spice storeTo buy a paGet some spices from Birth Masala or get it during one of your trips tospecialty spice shopsthat have their own manufacturing secret.
If the first option of buying everything in stores is easier to get,Some spice connoisseurs know that nothing beats a freshly made Birth Masala blend.
And for this, we will prefer whole spices and grind them ourselves.
Birth Masala was born from the combination of coriander seeds, carom/ajowan seeds, cumin seeds, ginger and turmeric.
Although some have taken the secret recipe to their grave, there are still elders in the community who know the recipe and are willing to share it.
So here is the homemade recipe to take advantage of the benefits of this fantastic blend!
Traditional Birth Masala Recipe
The 5 ingredients:
- ¼ cup coriander seeds
- ½ tsp ginger powder
- 2 tbsp carom/ajowan seeds
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- ¼ cup cumin seeds
The steps to follow:
- Place a pot on your stovetop over medium heat.
- Roast each spice individually to release its flavors for about 3 minutes.
- Once you've finished roasting and the mixture has cooled, combine all of the ingredients in a coffee grinder or spice grinder. Grind until everything is in powder form.
- Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in a cool place. So you can use the mixture every time you prepare it.
Recipes that use Birth Masala
As the use of Birth Masala was intended for young mothers, my first recipe will be Marandhu Sellu, a chicken curry.
Many people prepare it differently, but the key ingredient, Birth Masala, is still there. My version is as follows:
Marandhu Sellu Recipe with Birth Masala
The ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken
- 2 tbsp frying oil
- 2 onions, 2 tomatoes
- 2 potatoes
- 2 green chilies, 2 tbsp red pepper powder
- 3 curry leaves (or powder), 1 bay leaf
- ½ tsp turmeric powder, 1 cinnamon stick, 2 tsp ginger powder
- 2 tsp Birth Masala (refer to recipe above)
- 2 cloves of fresh garlic
- 1 bunch of coriander
The steps to follow:
- Wash and clean a whole chicken orchicken piecesof your choice.
- Put a pot on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a little bit of oil, thesliced onionsIn thin strips, two green chilies cut into slices (optional), two curry leaves (powdered if you don't have), a bay leaf and a cinnamon stick.
- Cook until the onions become transparent.
- Add the garlic, turmeric, turmeric, red pepper, Birth Masala, and ginger to the pot.
- Mix the ingredients andLet it simmerfor one minute.
- Add the chicken and season with salt to taste.
- Cover with a lid and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add about 2 tomatoes cut into cubes with a little water and simmer for another 20 minutes.
- Then add about 2 potatoes (optional), cut into 6 pieces each, and simmer untilAre the potatoes tender.
- Once the dish is finished, garnish it with cilantro leaves and serve it with rice or homemade naan bread, preferably!
In Indian culture, the other health benefit of Birth Masala was to help recover from a cold.Rasam (king's soup) is a drink that helps fight flu viruses.
One ofThe key ingredient in this dish is tamarindwhich has good medicinal properties. Here is our version:
Rasam Soup Recipe with Birth Masala
The ingredients:
- 3 tbsp tamarind
- 2 tbsp of frying oil
- ½ onion, 6 garlic cloves
- 4 red dried chilies
- ½ tsp mustard, ½ tsp turmeric
- some cumin seeds
- 3 curry leaves (or curry powder), 1 handful of coriander leaves
- ½ tsp Birth Masala (see recipe above)
- 1 tomato
The steps to follow:
- In a bowl, take about 3 tablespoons of tamarind with a cup of water and mix, strain the liquid and discard the kernels and fibers. Set it aside.
- In a heated pot, add some oil, finely chopped half onion, chilies, mustard, and cumin seeds, and cook until the onions are soft.
- Add the chopped garlic, turmeric, curry, and then the Birth Masala.
- Combine the ingredients in the pot and simmer for 1 minute.
- Add 1 tomato cut into cubes and simmer for another minute.
- In the pot, add thetamarind mixand a handful of coriander leaves and let it boil.
- Once the boil is reached, turn the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes until the contents of the pot become a bit thick.
- To this mixture, add 2 cups of water and salt to taste. Mix thoroughly and remove from the heat.
- You can serve the soup with curry and rice, or you can strain it into a cup and drink it like any soup.
Ready to try Birth Masala?
Birth Masala has come a long way since its origins andThey cook it a lot among Indians, but they are not the only ones.
In South Africa, the nation of mixed cultures, this blend of authentic spices is known and used in the dishes of various communities.
Since not everyone has the recipe for making Birth Masala,The mixture is more easily purchased in spice shops, which each have their own little secret of making.
Who wouldn't want to add this healthy and flavorful blend to their favorite curry dishes?
Whether you add it to your meals or drink it, you benefit from the same medicinal values of Birth Masala.
That's it, now all that's left to do is move on to the kitchen and enjoy Birth Masala!
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Image source: freepik
FAQ
Can I add other spices to Birth Masala?
Birth Masala is a traditional spice blend base then it's up to you to make this recipe your own by adding other spices. However, if you mix more than 4 spices, the tastes may interfere and you may no longer find yourself in the taste of Birth Masala.
What is the difference between Garam Masala and Birth Masala?
These are mixtures both of Indian origin but they differ in the preparation of the ingredients and their tastes. Garam Masala is composed of cinnamon, nutmeg,Clove, pepper.. They are mixtures both of Indian origin but they differ in the preparation of the ingredients and their tastes. Garam Masala is composed of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, pepper..
How long can you keep Birth Masala for?
The spice blend can be stored in an airtight box away from light easily for 6 months and longer, however we advise you not to store too much. The taste of this mixture will be better and stronger if it is made as you prepare it. In any case, do not forget to note the start date of conservation to know where you are
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