How to use cassia bark in cooking
What's the story
A staple in Indian kitchens, cassia bark comes with an aromatic and slightly sweet flavor. Often confused with cinnamon, cassia bark is a lot stronger. This spice makes its way to most Indian dishes, effortlessly enhancing their flavor profiles. Be it curries or desserts, cassia bark is a part of many recipes. Its versatility makes it a must-have ingredient for anyone exploring Indian cuisine.
Tip 1
Enhancing curries with cassia bark
Cassia bark lends depth and warmth to curries, be it dal or vegetable curry, by lending them a rich aroma and a hint of sweetness. To maximize its flavor, add cassia bark at the beginning of the cooking process. This way, its flavors will meld well with other spices, creating a harmonious and aromatic dish, both inviting and comforting.
Tip 2
Flavoring rice dishes perfectly
In rice dishes like biryani or pulao, cassia bark is an integral part of building layers of flavor. Just a small piece added while cooking rice can make all the difference by giving the dish a fragrant aroma and a mild spiciness that goes well with other ingredients beautifully.
Tip 3
Sweetening desserts subtly
Cassia bark isn't restricted to savory dishes, it also beautifully complements desserts like kheer or halwa. By simmering milk/sugar syrup with a piece of cassia bark, you can add a delicate sweetness and an aromatic flair. This trick elevates the traditional sweets subtly, adding depth without overpowering the dessert's inherent flavors. It's a simple yet effective way to add a unique taste to desserts.
Tip 4
Infusing beverages with warmth
Cassia bark also works to infuse your beverages, be it tea or spiced milk drinks like masala chai. Just add a small piece while brewing, and it will lend warmth and complexity to the flavor profile of the drink, making it much more enjoyable on cooler days.
Tip 5
Creating spice blends efficiently
Cassia bark serves as an important component for the preparation of several spice mixes all over India, including famous blends such as garam masala and chai masala. Grinding cassia bark with other spices gives you an authentic flavor that elevates the taste of any dish you add it to. It is a simple trick but works wonders, making your home-made spice blends traditional and Indian-friendly.