RawSpiceBar Review March 2017
RawSpiceBar is a subscription box that sends you global, authentic spice blends created by top chefs to your door every month. Fresh, recipe-ready flavor kits, delivered monthly. Cook global dishes, without the salt & sugar. Custom recipes for diets of all types. They kindly sent us this box for review.
The Sambhar Flavour Kit
This month’s flavour kit features a very special dish called sambhar, a split pea or lentil stew with South Indian origins. The story goes that the original recipe for sambhar originated from one of the Maratha rulers. The ruler attempted to make the dish for himself while his head chef was away. While making it, he altered the recipe. The royal kitchen dared not correct him. He loved his own concoction so much he then referred to it as sambhar.
Panch Phoran
Ingredients: Cumin, Fennel seeds, Fenugreek, Black Mustard Seeds, Nigella Seeds
The recipe for this spice is so simple! It’s basically just roasted potatoes, but the spice mix is brilliant. I’ve never been a huge fan of fennel, but was recently introduced to it in a breakfast skillet and have been convinced of its deliciousness ever since! I may or may not have whipped up a little something something with this spice right after the photos… Stay tuned.
Mango Toasted Chaat
Ingredients: Toasted cumin, Amchoor, Black salt, Coriander, Red chillies, Asafoetida, Dried mint, Fennel seeds, Paprika, Spices
I have not heard of so many of these! But I can tell you it smells A-Mazing and I haven’t even added it to any food yet. Can’t wait to get cooking.
Sambhar Masala
Ingredients: Toasted coriander, Toasted cumin, Fenugreek seeds, Ground cayenne chillies, Curry leaves, Black peppercorns, Yellow mustard seeds, Dried yellow split peas, Poppy seeds, Toasted cinnamon, Spices
So rich! It was a little funny though, because I was sneezing the whole time I was taking photos of this. I’m surprised all the spice stayed on the card! It smells so good and I can’t wait to try it! So many ingredients in this month’s that I’ve never even heard of.
Cooking Time!
One of my favourite things to make is yams and eggs. It might sound super boring, but it’s the best meal ever whether it’s Saturday morning coffee time or just after work and I’m too tired to make anything else. Seeing how the suggested recipe for the Panch Phoran was potatoes I figured it would taste just as good with yams, and I was right! I did add these yams back to the heat with some eggs after these photos and it was SUPER tasty!
RawSpiceBar March 2017 – Final Thoughts
I really love this box! It’s so small, but packed with so much! I’m no good with spice mixes and knowing I have a few to call upon when the need arises really does make cooking that much easier and better. I’m in love with this months selections, as I usually gear towards curry and cumin when I reach for the spice cupboard. The one packet I did dig into was so impressive! I can’t wait to try the other two. If you struggle with the “what’s for dinner” question, this is a great option. Take the recipe cards with you to the store so you know what to get, or just add the spices to your own blend of food. Either way, you can’t lose!
-Shonah