PILAU MASALA WHOLE - WHOLE SPICE OF THE WEEK

As you all know I love spices, both savoury and sweet. They just give food that EXTRA! vibe. Whether is is sweet dessert or spicy curries, you will never go wrong when it comes to adding them to your dishes. My spice for the week is Pilau Masala Whole spice mix. This spice mix contains cumin seeds, black pepper, cinnamon sticks, cardamom and cloves. Using whole spices adds that authentic natural aroma and taste. When using whole spices you can ground them in a mortar or electric grinder. I like using them whole especially when making Korma. I have cooked pilau with ground spices so this month look forward to a whole spice pilau affair.

Whole cloves contain fibre, vitamins and minerals that help prevent constipation, strengthen immune system and build strong bones. They are also high in antioxidants

Earthy, spicy, nutty and warm describes cumin which promotes digestion and is a rich source of iron

Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants too. Its anti inflammatory properties help body fight infections and repair tissue damage plus may help lower blood sugar

An instense, slightly sweet spice cardamom may help lower blood pressure due to its antioxidant and diuretic properties. The spice is often used to treat bad breath and it is a component of some chewing gums

Black pepper is full of antioxidants and may help fight bacteria

Whole Pilau Masala Spice – FAQs

1. What is pilau masala?

Pilau masala is a fragrant blend of whole spices traditionally used in East African and Indian rice pilau dishes to infuse rich, aromatic flavors.

2. What spices are commonly included in whole pilau masala?

Typical whole spices include cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, cloves, black peppercorns, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and bay leaves.

3. How is whole pilau masala used in cooking?

Whole pilau masala is usually toasted lightly in oil or dry roasted to release flavors before adding rice, meat, or vegetables during pilau preparation.

4. Can I grind pilau masala?

Yes, you can grind the whole spices to a powder for a more intense and even flavor distribution, but whole spices are preferred for pilau’s characteristic texture and aroma.

5. How should I store pilau masala?

Keep whole pilau masala in an airtight container, away from heat and sunlight, to preserve freshness and potency for up to 6 months.

Nutrition Card – Approx. per 1 tsp whole pilau masala (2g)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value (DV)	Notes
Calories	6–8 kcal	—	Minimal caloric impact
Protein	0.2 g	—	Trace amounts
Carbohydrates	1.5 g	<1%	Mainly fiber and natural sugars
Fat	0.1 g	—	Trace amounts
Fiber	1 g	4%	From spices

Dietary Compatibility & Notes

Diet Type	Compatible?	Suggestions
Vegan	✅ Yes	Pure plant-based spices
Vegetarian	✅ Yes	Pure plant-based spices
Gluten-Free	✅ Yes	Naturally gluten-free
Dairy-Free	✅ Yes	No dairy content
Nut-Free	✅ Yes	Free from nuts

Usage Tips:

Toast whole pilau masala spices gently before adding to rice dishes or stews to unlock deep, aromatic flavors. Use in pilau, biryani, or as a base for spice blends.

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator with exact ingredient measurements.

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