Garam Masala is a traditional and highly popular spice blend in Indian cuisine known for its warm and aromatic flavors. It is typically made using fresh, whole Indian spices that are roasted over low heat and then ground into a fine powder. This homemade Garam Masala recipe is one of the best seasonings for enhancing the flavor of most Indian curries, vegetables, biryani dishes such as fish and chicken biryani, and other side dishes.
The recipe shared here demonstrates how to make the best and easy Garam Masala, bursting with flavor. If you don't have access to all the necessary spices, I have also shared some substitutes for Garam Masala that deliver similar flavors to your dishes. To make the preparation process easier, I have provided step-by-step instructions and a detailed video guide.
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What is Garam Masala ?
Garam masala is a warm and aromatic blend of Indian whole spices. The term "Garam" is a Hindi word that translates to "warm," and "Masala" translates to "spice mix." It is typically made with fresh, aromatic whole spices such as coriander, cloves, cumin seeds, cinnamon, and cardamom, among others. Garam masala is an essential ingredient used to enhance the flavor of most Indian curries, biryani recipes, vegetables, chicken, and egg dishes.
While you can find a wide variety of brands at stores, making your own spice blend is always the best option. This way, you have control over the ingredients, freshness, and storage of the blend. Homemade garam masala is also superior in aroma and quality compared to store-bought versions.
Not only that, but you can also make small batches that remain aromatic and fresh for a long time. Garam masala has several health benefits, such as promoting good digestion, boosting immunity, and warming the body from the inside out when used in moderation in daily cooking.
As mentioned earlier, garam masala is an essential ingredient in Indian cooking, but you may find different variations in each household. Each family has their own recipe that suits its taste preferences.
The recipe I have shared is what I use in my daily cooking. It is full of aroma and has a balance of sweet, warm, and spicy flavor notes. A small quantity is sufficient to add flavor to your dishes. The best part is, it can be stored for months.
Ingredients
To make this garam masala, you'll need some basic Indian pantry spices that you can easily find at your local Indian grocery store. Here's a list of the ingredients you'll need:
- Coriander seeds - These seeds have a citrusy flavor and sweet aroma, and when ground, they have a nutty and earthy flavor profile. They also form the base of this garam masala by adding volume
- Cumin and fennel seeds - Fennel seeds add an earthy and mildly sweet taste to dishes, while cumin seeds add a rich, earthy, and warm flavor
- Green and black cardamom - These spices have complex flavors, with green cardamom having a fruity, piney, and menthol-like flavor, and black cardamom having an intense, almost menthol flavor. Note that black cardamom is optional and can be skipped if it is too strong for your taste preferences. However, the combination of other spices in this recipe helps balance out its pungency
- Cloves - These aromatic spices have a subtly sweet flavor and add warmth to dishes.
- Black pepper - Black pepper adds an earthy, woody, and spicy heat to dishes.
- Cinnamon sticks and bay leaves - Cinnamon has a sweet and woody flavor with citrusy undertones, while bay leaves have an aromatic flavor similar to mint
- Dry red chilies - These chilies add heat to the recipe, but only a small amount is needed.
- Javitri, nutmeg, and aniseeds - Javitri has a strong aroma with a combination of pepper and cinnamon flavors. Nutmeg has a warm and nutty flavor, and aniseeds have a mild, sweet taste reminiscent of licorice and fennel
For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.
How to Make Garam Masala at Home?
I have shared here the recipe for authentic Garam Masala, a spice blend from Indian cuisine. This recipe delivers the perfect balance of warm, spicy, and aromatic flavors that really enhance the taste of your Indian dishes. You can use it in curries, biryani recipes, fried recipes, and other side dishes that call for it.
Below are the high-level instructions for this recipe, but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and a video, please see the recipe card below.
- Clean the Spices - To create homemade garam masala, begin by cleaning the whole spices. Look for any dirt, stones, or debris, and feel free to pick them before using them in your recipes
- Roast the Coriander - In a wide frying pan over medium heat, roast the coriander seeds until they become aromatic. Avoid burning the spices, as it will ruin the flavor of the garam masala
- Cool - Once coriander seeds are aromatic, remove the pan from the heat and transfer the seeds to a plate or bowl to cool
- Roast the Remaining Spices - Next, add the remaining spices listed in the recipe to the pan and toast them over low-medium heat. Let them become aromatic. Once aromatic, remove them from the heat and transfer them to a bowl or plate to cool.
- Cool them as well - Once the spices have cooled to room temperature, transfer them to a blender and blend them into a fine powder
- Use or Store - This aromatic garam masala powder is perfect for adding flavor to all kinds of Indian recipes. You can also store them for months in a closed jar
Garam Masala Substitutes
Don't let a lack of certain spices hold you back from making your favorite Indian dishes. If you're missing some of the ingredients for Garam masala, try using these spice combinations as substitutes. They'll give your dishes a similar flavor and help you create mouthwatering meals. Take a look what are some spice combinations that work as a substitute for Garam Masala below.
- 1 tsp ground coriander +½ tsp ground cumin +¼ tsp ground cardamom + ¼ tsp ground cloves + ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground coriander +½ tsp ground cumin + ¼ tsp ground fennel + ¼ tsp ground Black pepper +¼ tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp Pumpkin Spice + 3 tsp ground coriander
- Biryani Masala
- Store brought Chicken Masala powder or Meat Masala
Remember, these substitutions may not be an exact match for the traditional flavor of Garam Masala, but they can still add a lovely depth of flavor to your meals. Just be sure to use the required quantity specified in your recipe.
Garam Masala vs Curry Powder
Garam masala and curry powder are both blends of spices commonly used in Indian and South Asian cuisines. However, there are some differences between the two.
Garam masala is a blend of ground spices that is traditionally used in Indian cuisine. It typically includes a mixture of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and cloves along with other spices. The ingredients and proportions of the blend can vary, but the flavors are generally warm, fragrant, and slightly sweet. Garam masala is usually added during the cooking process as well as at the final stage to elevate the flavor of many dishes.
Curry powder, on the other hand, is a Western invention and is not commonly used in India. It is a blend of ground spices that is meant to mimic the flavors of Indian curries. The ingredients of curry powder can vary, but it usually includes a mixture of turmeric, coriander, cumin, curry leaves, and black pepper, along with other spices such as fenugreek, mustard seeds, and cardamom. Curry powder is typically added to dishes during the cooking process and is used to flavor a wide variety of dishes, not just curries.
Tips
- Clean the spices - Always make sure to look for any stones, dirt, or debris in your whole spices and pick them clean before using them
- Quantity - It's important to use the right ratio of spices to make the best masala powder. Don't be tempted to add more pungent spices in large quantities as it will alter the flavor of the masala and might not be good for your digestive system
- Temperature - Roasting the spices in low to medium heat is the key to bringing out their aromatic flavors. Be sure to keep an eye on them while roasting to avoid burning
- Blend once cooled - Let the roasted spices cool down to room temperature before blending them into a fine powder
- Sieve - If you're not using a high-powered blender, you may want to sieve the ground spices to achieve a fine consistency
- Storage - Preserving the freshness and aroma of your garam masala is simple. Just keep it in an airtight container and store it away from direct sunlight. Not only will this help the spice retain its flavor, but it will also stay good for up to 4 to 5 months
Storage Suggestions
Homemade garam masala stays fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 to 5 months. Just make sure to keep it away from direct sunlight to keep it fresh. This will ensure that the spice blend remains fresh and flavorful for use in all your favorite Indian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Garam Masala is a blend of warm, spicy, and pungent flavors that can really elevate the taste of your dishes. It's generally a good idea to stick to the recipe when using it. Adding too much can deliver a really strong, and pungent flavor to your dish. It can also potentially cause stomach irritation or acidity. As a reference, I usually use ½ to ¾ tsp of Garam Masala for my biryani and chicken curries, which typically serve 4 to 5 servings.
Related Recipes
Feeling inspired to cook up some delicious Indian dishes? You're in luck! Garam masala is the perfect seasoning to add flavor and depth to all your favorite recipes. And if you're looking for more tasty seasoning and marinade, or dips & condiments, be sure to check out our selection below.
- Curry Powder
- Chai Masala Powder
- Ginger Garlic Paste
- Tamarind Paste
- Cajun Seasoning
- Chili Seasoning
- Italian Seasoning
- Taco Seasoning
Some Indian recipes that use Garam Masala as an ingredient include:
- Chicken Korma
- Chicken Curry
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- Butter Chicken
- Tandoori Chicken
- Chicken Biryani
- Paneer Tikka Masala
- Palak Paneer
- Chole
Garam Masala Recipe Video
I have shared a detailed video of this Garam Masala Recipe below which I hope will help you make an aromatic masala powder at home. You can also find this recipe in story format.
📖 Recipe
Garam Masala
Ingredients
- 1 cup Coriander Seeds
- 8 Dry Red Chili
- ¼ cup Cumin Seeds
- 2 tsp Black Peppercorns
- 2 tsp Cloves
- 2 Star Anise
- 1 Javitri (Mace)
- 2 tsp Green Cardamom
- 5 Bay Leaves
- 2 tsp Fennel Seeds
- 1 Cinnamon Sticks
Optional Ingredients
- ½ Nutmeg
- 1 tsp Aniseeds
- 2 Black Cardamom
Instructions
To make Garam Masala
- To make homemade garam masala, start by cleaning the whole spices. Check for any dirt, stones, or debris, and feel free to pick them before using them in your recipes. In a wide frying pan over medium heat, add the coriander seeds and roast until they become aromatic. Be careful not to burn the spices, as it will ruin the flavor of the garam masala
- Once the coriander seeds are roasted, remove the pan from the heat and transfer the seeds to a plate or bowl to cool
- Next, add the remaining spices listed in the recipe to the pan and toast them over low-medium heat until they become aromatic. Once they are aromatic, remove them from the heat and transfer them to a bowl or plate to cool
- Once the spices have cooled to room temperature, transfer them to a blender and blend them into a fine powder
To Use or Store
- Use this aromatic garam masala powder in your Indian recipes such as curries, biryani dishes, and other side dishes. To preserve the freshness and aroma, be sure to store the garam masala powder in an airtight container away from direct sunlight. The best part is that it stays fresh for 4 to 5 months
Video
Notes
- Clean the spices - Always make sure to look for any stones, dirt, or debris in your whole spices and pick them clean before using them
- Quantity - It's important to use the right ratio of spices to make the best masala powder. Don't be tempted to add more pungent spices in large quantities as it will alter the flavor of the masala and might not be good for your digestive system
- Temperature - Roasting the spices in low to medium heat is the key to bringing out their aromatic flavors. Be sure to keep an eye on them while roasting to avoid burning
- Blend once cooled - Let the roasted spices cool down to room temperature before blending them into a fine powder
- Sieve - If you're not using a high-powered blender, you may want to sieve the ground spices to achieve a fine consistency
- Storage - Preserving the freshness and aroma of your garam masala is simple: just keep it in an airtight container and store it away from direct sunlight. Not only will this help the spice retain its flavor, but it will also stay good for up to 4 to 5 months
Nutrition
FAQ
Garam Masala is a popular and traditional spice blend in Indian cuisine. It is usually made by roasting and blending fresh whole spices such as coriander, cloves, cumin seeds, cinnamon, and cardamom, among others. The term 'Garam' is Hindi for 'warm,' and 'Masala' translates to 'spice mix.' This blend is often used to enhance the flavor of dishes such as curries, biryanis, vegetables, chicken, and egg dishes.
While Garam Masala delivers the best aroma and flavor to your dishes, you can also use the following spice blends as substitutes: They are biryani masala, store-bought chicken, mutton, or meat masala. I have also shared some spice combinations in the substitute section above.
Garam masala is a blend of ground spices commonly used in Indian cuisine that includes a mixture of warm and fragrant spices and is usually added during and at the end of the cooking process. Curry powder, on the other hand, is a Western blend of spices used to mimic the flavors of Indian curries, and typically includes a mixture of turmeric, coriander, cumin, curry leaves, and black pepper. It is typically added during the cooking process.
Homemade Garam Masala stays fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 months. Make sure to keep it away from direct sunlight to keep it fresh. This will ensure that the spice blend remains flavorful for longer.
Typically, ½-¾ tsp is enough for 4-5 servings. You can use up to 1 tsp for larger servings, but I recommend following the particular recipe instructions for the best results.
I hope you found the recipe enjoyable and I would appreciate hearing about your experience with it.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will do my best to respond promptly. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
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