A lot of Indian dishes starts with whole spices tempered in hot oil and ends with a sprinkle of Garam Masala. Making this spice mix at home is easy, and a homemade garam masala is the key to any flavorful Indian curry.
It is an Indian spice blend that is very commonly used in Indian cooking. All the warm spices get toasted and then cooled down before you grind it. It brings a warm flavor to your dish and is said to also increase metabolism.
Is there one variety of Garam Masala?
NO! Most household will prepare garam masala at home and oven it gets their own twist based on what whole spices they have or like to use.
I grew up mostly enjoying Bengali Gorom Moshla which used just three whole spices.
Just how one dish can be prepared in several different ways in different regions of India, so are our spices and spice mixes.
It’s warm, floral, hint of sweetness from mace flower and cinnamon, and mild heat from dry red chili and black pepper.
Ingredients you need for Garam Masala
- Cumin Seeds
- Coriander Seeds
- Cinnamon Sticks
- Green Cardamom and Black Cardamom
- Mace flower
- Bay leaf
- Black Pepper
- Dry red chili
- Star Anise
It is always a good idea to prepare spice mixes in small batches. With time, and longer shelf life, the aroma starts to vanish.
Also, don’t prepare this spcie mix using powdered spice mixes. You need to roast these whole spices and then grind it to powder.
Steps to prepare
It's a quick three-step process.
1 - Dry roast the whole spices. Keep in mind that if you are making a very big batch, then dry whole the small seeds separately and the other whole spices separately.
2- When dry roasting, remember to toss it around and roast in medium low heat so it doesn't get burnt.
3- Once the whole spices are cooled down, grind in a coffee grinder or any dry-spice grinder.
Literally translated as "hot spices," this quintessential spice mix isn't about heat in the chili sense, but rather about the warming effects it has on the body. This spice mix is a staple in Indian households and has found its way into kitchens around the globe.
Experiment with your own blend and let the magic of garam masala transform your cooking.
FAQ
Garam masala is often added toward the end of cooking to preserve its aromatic qualities. It can be used in curries, stews, soups, rice dishes, marinades, and even sprinkled over roasted vegetables or meats.
Garam masala is not typically spicy in the sense of being hot like chili peppers. Instead, it is warming and aromatic, adding depth and complexity to dishes.
While homemade spices don’t spoil in the traditional sense, it can lose its potency and flavor over time. It's best to use it within six months to a year for optimal flavor.
While there is no exact substitute for garam masala, you can create a similar flavor profile by combining equal parts ground cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. For a closer match, add a pinch of ground cloves and cardamom.
Garam Masala
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Cumin Seeds
- ¼ cup Coriander Seeds
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
- 2 tablespoons Green Cardamom
- 2 Mace flower
- 3 small Bay leaf
- 2 Black Cardamom
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 to 3 Dry red chili (I used Kashmiri dry red chili)
- 2 Star Anise
Instructions
- In a pan dry roast all the spices just until you hear the sizzling sound and the aroma starts to release.
- Let the roasted whole spice cool down completely
- Then using a dry spice grinder or a coffee grinder, grind it to powdered.
- Store in your choice of air tight container or masala dubba.
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Looks beautiful!! Homemade is always the best way to go!
Roxana GreenGirl
Don't you just love when cooking comes from the heart and not as a necessity at the end of the day? I never thought I'd become so passionate about baking.
I love adding garam masala cu almost all the cauliflower and chickpeas dishes, gives it a little something that makes you ask for seconds. Never tried making my own, the store bought one came in handy. 🙂
thanks for the recipe Kankana, I'm going to try next time I ran out.
hope you'll have a wonderful day 🙂
Dewi
Nothing beat homemade garam masala. I like to make my own as well.
ShopCookMake
This recipe came at the right time. It's nearly impossible to find it in Puerto Rico. I cook a lot of Indian food that calls for Garam Masala, so now I'll be able to taste the true flavors. Thanks for sharing and as always, gorgeous photography.
Raji
The masala looks so nice...can imagine the aroma of curries made out of home made masala...fabulous.
Priya
Nothing will beat the homed made spice powder, garam masala looks fabulous..
nisha
there is no going back to store bought garam masala once uve tried the home made one..i totally agree..
although i have never really been proactive enough to make them on my own at home, my mom in law did and she sent down quite a bit for me..love using that although i do that as ration 🙂
i shall keep this recipe to fall back on...whn im out of the stash 🙂
Tanvi
You make your own garam masala? Wow..I used to do that when I came to US initially but later got lazy & started buying and stuck to it..I think u ve inspired to make my own again..I use some anise also..gives a nice aroma!
P.S- I think all indians would have that cute steel mortar & pestle..I have one too 🙂
torviewtoronto
making garam masala at home is always better and aromatic
lovely pictures Kankana
Radhika
Kankana,
Even though I am such a everything "home made" freak, somehow I have never given Garam masala a try. Yours looks so colorful and spicy. I know for sure home made is the best and it is high time I give it a try..
Karen
Beautiful photos. I just ordered some garam masala, which I've never tasted. I can't wait to give it a try!
Pri
Kanku .... 🙂 This looks so good. Cannot be more proud!
Hey, do you remember a particular tomato chutni 😉 ?? Can you do one write up on that, jazz it up or 'spice' it up in your creative way and tell me how that turns out! 🙂
Love
Pri
Kankana Saxena
Thanks babe 🙂 I emailed you !
Tina (PinayInTexas)
Homemade is always the best, Kankana!
With all the wonderful pictures and recipes you share, I can say that you are really passionate about cooking! Keep it up! :-*
Tiffany
So cool! I usually buy my garam masala... never thought to make it myself! What a great idea!
Faith
You're so right about being passionate about your work! It really gives so much happiness, doesn't it?
Garam masala is one of my favorite spice mixes and your recipe looks wonderful...bookmarking! 🙂
Krithi
I love your passion of admiring spices... I too love to look at colorful veggies! Awesome flavor...
http://krithiskitchen.blogspot.com
Vimitha
My mom makes this and bring it for me... Homemade is the best...
yummychunklet
What a great spice mix! Thanks for sharing.
Sawsan@chef in disguise
As much as I love your recipes, I love reading the thoughts and insights you write even more..
I totally agree with you..loving what you do makes life different..it makes it joyful and worth living 🙂
Manu
Ohhh!!! I always use the ready made one... but would love to make it at home... I also have all the spices you mention here, so I will surely give it a go! I am sure it will taste much better than the store one! Thanks for sharing Kankana! Also... fantastic pictures... did you use any special light for them??? They are awesome! 🙂
Kankana Saxena
Thanks Manu 🙂 No dear I didn't use any extra lighting at all.. i don't have any to use ! Normal day light .. i took the pics around 5:30ish and it was nice and bright 🙂