RawSpiceBar is a monthly subscription that sends freshly ground, small batch custom spice blends.
The spices are shipped via USPS in an unmarked kraft sleeve.
This box was sent to us for review purposes. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
The Subscription: RawSpiceBar
The Cost: $6 per month with free shipping
The Products: 3-4 freshly ground spice blends from one geography or region, enough to create 3 dishes serving 8-12 people
Ships to: US and Canada
Check out the Food Subscription Box Directory for more food boxes!
Each month, RawSpiceBar sends spices from one region or geographical area. This shipment features spice blends from Punjab, India.
RawSpiceBar works with a chef each month to develop the spice blends and create recipes that incorporate them. Vishwa Mohan is this month’s featured chef, and he has included a couple of his family’s Punjabi recipes: Chicken Tikka Masala and Chai & Rose Nankhatai Cookies.
As soon as I started reading about the recipes included in this month’s shipment, I knew it was a perfect fit for my husband and me. My husband is British and grew up eating Indian food on a regular basis. As an adult, it’s one of his favorite things to make at home. I’m a baker, and I love traditional recipes that are updated with exotic and exciting flavors. This month’s recipes were perfect for us!
Punjabi Garam Masala- .4 oz
According to the information on the spice packet, Garam Masala is the most famous North Indian spice blend, and there are hundreds of ways to prepare it. This one is a blend of coriander, cumin, tej patta, chiles, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, peppercorns, ginger, and nutmeg. You can use it to add complexity and warmth to tikka masala, curries, braised vegetables, or grilled kabobs.
Tandoori Spices- .4 oz
This traditional spice mixes coriander, cumin, chiles, turmeric, garlic, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom, and peppercorns. When used in tandoori-style dishes, it adds a rich, complex character.
The first recipe from Chef Mohan is for Punjabi Chicken Tikka Masala, and the recipe calls for both the Tandoori Spices and the packet of Punjabi Garam Masala. My husband was impressed by the look and smell of both blends and is VERY excited to make the tikka masala.
Rose & Chai Spices- .4 oz
This blend combines ginger, black peppercorn, rosebuds, and cardamom to create warming, floral flavors that are then added to an Indian Black Tea. The spices are ground finely so they can be used for cooking and baking.
RawSpiceBar included a recipe for Chai & Rose Nankhatai Cookies. (Traditional Nankhati cookies are a type of Indian shortbread.) I thought this recipe sounded incredible, and I could hardly wait to start making them.
The recipe was really well written and straightforward. I used my stand mixer, but the instructions are written so that the cookies can be made without any special kitchen equipment.
Here’s a photo of the dough:
The best part about making these cookies was the smell of them baking. The spicy, floral smell coming from the oven was intoxicating.
After they cooled, I sat down with a cup of tea to try them. They were crisp and incredibly flavorful. The black pepper gave them a subtle spice, while the ginger, black tea, and rose layered together beautifully. I thought they were a perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea!
Here’s a photo of my cookies:
Verdict: I really loved this month’s shipment from RawSpiceBar. The spices were vibrant, fragrant, and clearly of very high quality, and I thought the packaging and presentation were top notch. I was also very impressed by the recipes Chef Mohan included and found them to be thoughtfully selected, easy to follow, and delicious. I cook (and bake) on a regular basis and sometimes fall into the rut of making the same dish again and again. I think this is an exciting and inexpensive subscription that can help add variety and inspiration to home cooking. I would definitely recommend it for adventurous cooks looking to try something new!
What did you think of this month’s shipment from RawSpiceBar?
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