Garam Masala – Garam masala is an aromatic spice blend that is the main ingredient for many Indian dishes like Butter Chicken Masala and Instant Pot Chicken Biryani. We make the spice blend at the beginning of the month and store it in our pantry to use as needed.
WHAT IS GARAM MASALA?
Garam masala means ‘hot spice’ in English, but not because it’s spicy; it refers to warming spices and the process of toasting before grinding them. While you can buy garam masala in stores, every family has a treasured garam masala recipe they use. The specific spices and their measurements may differ from home to home, but the process of making the spice blend is always the same. Begin by measuring the whole spices and toast them in a pan. Grind them finely, and preserve them for many meals to come!
WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
- Cardamom: Green and black cardamom flavor the garam masala. Green cardamom is warm and herbaceous, whereas black cardamom has a menthol aroma.
- Cinnamon Stick: Toasting cinnamon sticks draws out their natural warmth.
- Black Cloves: Black cloves subtly sweeten the spice blend.
- Cumin Seed: Toasted cumin seeds provide a nice citrus flavor.
- Coriander Seed: Coriander seeds balance out the more pronounced spices like black cardamom. It’s a perfect lever because you can use more to tone down other spices.
- Nutmeg: Nutty and sweet- nutmeg compliments the other spices.
- Mace: Mace is a bridge between savory and sweet.
- Bay Leaves: Subtly flavor the garam masala with a clove-like flavor.
HOW TO MAKE PAKISTANI GARAM MASALA
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Break down the cinnamon stick and bay leaves, then add them to a skillet.
Dry roast for 2- 3 minutes over medium heat.
Add the ingredients to a spice grinder in batches, and blend until fine. You can also use a mortar and pestle if you don’t mind the extra work.
Stir in the ground nutmeg and add the garam masala to an airtight glass jar.
PREPARATION TIPS
- Achieve the best flavor by using fresh, whole spices instead of pre-ground ones. Whole spices retain their aroma and flavor longer.
- Toasting the spices before grinding them enhances their flavor and aroma. Toast them in a dry pan over low heat until they become fragrant and slightly darker.
- Once you toast the spices, grind them to a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Grind them in small batches to ensure that they are evenly ground.
SEARCHING FOR MORE LIKE THIS?
If you love this recipe, try one these Recipes Using Garam Masala!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
I have a whole post of Recipes Using Garam Masala, but here are some meals to try:
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- Aloo Gobi
- Palak Paneer
- Vegetable Biryani
- Tandoori Chicken Tikka
- Matar Paneer
- Bhindi Masala
- Yakhni Pulao
- Samosa
WHAT TO DO WITH THE LEFTOVERS
- Storage – After you have ground the spice mixture, it’s important to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and flavor. To ensure the best quality, keep the container in a cool, dry place. This helps to preserve the flavor and aroma of the spices; use the spice blend within 4-6 weeks of preparation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is in garam masala?
You can purchase garam masala spice in most grocery stores, but you should know one thing, the spice is not one size fits all. Travel through South Asia, and you will find that recipes for garam masala are specific to each region.
I use a combination of green cardamom, black cardamom, a cinnamon stick, black cloves, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, nutmeg, mace, and bay leaves to make this spice blend. Other spices used to make garam masala are peppercorns, star anise, dried ginger, asafoetida powder, caraway seeds, and fenugreek.
For something a little different, try our North Indian-inspired Garam Masala Recipe!
What does garam masala taste like?
Garam masala is a fragrant spice blend with layers of flavor. The taste of garam masala varies depending on the amount of each spice used; ours is both savory and sweet.
Is there a substitute for garam masala?
There isn’t a perfect substitute for garam masala because it is a stand-alone spice blend. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can combine cumin and ground allspice.
YOU SHOULD ALSO TRY:
- Garam Masala Recipe
- Taco Seasoning
- Blackening Seasoning
- Rib Rub Recipe
- And more Spice Blend recipes!
⭐️ Rate the Recipe
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Garam Masala
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon green cardamom
- 8 black cardamom
- 1 cinnamon stick, 4-inch, broken down
- 1 tablespoon black cloves
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon mace
- 2 bay leaves, broken down
Instructions
- Break down the cinnamon stick and bay leaves, then combine them with the other ingredients on a skillet. Dry roast the spices for 2- 3 minutes over medium heat to draw out the flavor and aroma of the whole spices.
- Allow the ingredients to cool some, then add them to a spice grinder in batches, blend until fine. You can also use a mortar and pestle if you don’t mind the extra work.
- Stir in the ground nutmeg and add the garam masala to an air-tight glass jar.
Notes
- Achieve the best flavor by using fresh, whole spices instead of pre-ground ones. Whole spices retain their aroma and flavor longer.
- Toasting the spices before grinding them enhances their flavor and aroma. Toast them in a dry pan over low heat until they become fragrant and slightly darker.
- Once you toast the spices, grind them to a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Grind them in small batches to ensure that they are evenly ground.
- The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
David Ramirez
Friday 26th of May 2023
Wow, this Garam Masala takes my Indian dishes to the next level! Thanks!
Sarah W.
Thursday 16th of February 2023
I tried this homemade Garam Masala recipe, and it added so much flavor to my Indian dishes! The aroma is amazing, and it's so easy to make. I'll never go back to store-bought again.
fede
Monday 23rd of May 2022
Such a great spice base, I used it to cook my lamb and it was delicious!
Tressa - Jamil Ghar Team
Monday 23rd of May 2022
Oh, we love using garam masala to flavor our lamb dishes.
Bianca
Sunday 22nd of May 2022
My most used spice blend, just love it!
Tressa Jamil
Sunday 12th of June 2022
Ours too!
RJ
Saturday 21st of May 2022
Tastes very authentic and makes a great base for many Pakistani and Indian dishes that I like.
Tressa Jamil
Sunday 12th of June 2022
Wow, what a compliment, thank you for taking the time to comment.