Madagascar spice base
Quick answer:the spice base is an aromatic foundation blend, designed to deeply flavour stocks, stews, sauces and marinades. It combines the main spices of Madagascar in a ready to use ratio.
The Madagascar spice baseis the ally of busy kitchens: it replaces an entire library of spices and instantly gives depth to a dish.
What the spice base contains
The base combines black pepper, ginger, turmeric, coriander, cumin, dried garlic and cloves, in a ratio designed for everyday cooking. All the spices come from Madagascar for a stable, consistent aromatic profile.
What a spice base is for
The spice base replaces the step of preparing your own spice bouquet: one spoonful in a pot or a wok, and the aromatic base is set. It acts as a foundation, not a peak, you can then refine the dish with a specific spice.
How to use it in cooking
Sweat the base at the start of cooking in some fat, then add your ingredients. For marinades, mix it with oil and a little acidity (lemon, vinegar).
- To start a meat stew, a curry or a tagine.
- In a homemade chicken or vegetable stock.
- In a marinade for grilled or oven baked fish.
- In a spiced vinaigrette to lift a composed salad.
How to store the spice base
Like any blend, store it in an airtight jar, away from light. It keeps its aromatic balance for 12 months.
Frequently asked questions
Does the base replace a stock?No, it is complementary. The stock provides the salty liquid, the base provides the spices. You can very well combine the two.
What dose should I use?One teaspoon for 4 people to start, adjusted to the dish.
What dishes does it suit?Stews, curries, soups, marinades, sauces. It is a little too austere for pastry, where a targeted spice works better.
Buying Madagascar spice base
Choose the 40 g spice jaror the 40 g refillable glass jarfor everyday cooking.
See also: our spice baseand the page spices of Madagascar.
