The hunt for the right spice
In this day and age, just about all the spices you need to cook up a storm are pre-packed as powders, in the form of a paste or freeze dried. What's there to even hunt? You can even get pre-mixes delivered to your door steps. All that is left is to cook up a meaty bonanza this Eid!
However, if only a cook's work was so easy! Pre-packaged powder spices are only good for daily meals — that's what all hardened cooks will say. All culinary activities are halted without the treasured spices. Not one 'hari' will touch fire unless the turmeric, the cinnamon, the ginger and the garlic paste, and the rest of the masala blends are ready and set out.
STARTING THE HUNT — GOING OLD SCHOOL WITH DHAKA NEW MARKET
There is no wrong way of getting to Dhaka New Market, especially the bazaar. What will come as a slight challenge is getting to the spice section. For the first timer, it's best to go with a seasoned trekker for a feel of the back-roads.
While the spice markets of Marrakesh, Morocco are famed to spread the aroma over a mile, New Market's spice market substitutes with a unique ambience. Cinnamons are stacked inside wooden boxes, turmeric and chillies are being ground as ordered, or if you are in a hurry you can pick-up an already packed one.
Essentials like cloves, cardamoms from the cardamom capital – Guatemala, black and white peppers, chunks of asafoetida (heeng), mace and nutmeg, are all stocked in opaque plastic jars. Nothing is left out, from cumin to fennel to fenugreek to modern additions like imported paprika and pre-ordered star anise, nothing is amiss. Stores even boast their own special mix for 'panchforon' or garam masala.
As for prices, there is room for haggling. But the sellers can sniff out the newbie even before he or she sets a foot inside the store. It will take a few trips, some cooking ups and downs to finally be set on the right path.
FOR THE "I'M COOKING UP SOMETHING MEDITERRANEAN/ EUROPEAN THIS QURBANI"
Those seeking Ras el Hanout or marinades for 'honey roasted beef' may find themselves in a fix for their experiments. Dried thyme, rosemary powder or Turkish allspice is not common.
Retail chains like Shwapno, Meena Bazar, Agora, to name the most known, have taken over this bit in style. Picky buyers can inspect their cloves right down to the stalk and pick every individual pepper corn before buying in these stores.
Inaugurated this year, Gourmet Bazar is already a sensation in providing the best of condiments and spices from around the culinary world. Too traffic-logged to buy even the essentials? With the facility for home delivery, Direct Fresh is bringing the full hunt home without skimping on quality.
Whether it's Japanese Shichimi Togarashi or 'American dry rub' or newly rediscovered family recipe, any and all spice mixes can now be made within the confines of the city. Happy cooking to all this Eid!
By Iris Farina