Garam Masala

While it is easy to find a garam masala blend in most major grocery stores, it’s also very easy to make at home. Here is a quick and easy recipe for homemade garam masala you can add to curries, soups, and stews.

What is garam masala?

Garam masala is a warm spice blend widely used in Indian cuisine. In Hindi, the term “garam” means hot or warm and the term “masala” means mixture or blend, so garam masala translates to warm spice blend. While the exact spices and ratios can vary from one recipe to the next, garam masala typically includes a combination of cumin, coriander, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

Garam masala is often made with whole spices, such as cumin seeds, coriander seeds, cardamom pods, and cinnamon sticks, and ground in a pestle and mortar or spice grinder, however, you can use ground spices to make a quick and easy homemade garam masala.

How to Make Garam Masala

A homemade garam masala is so easy to make! Simply add the ground spices to a small bowl or jar, stir to combine, and you’ve got a delicious spice blend you can add to your favorite Indian recipes.

Substitutes for Garam Masala

If can’t find store-bought garam masala or don’t have all the spices on hand to make your own garam masala, here are some simple substitutes for garam masala:

• Curry Powder
• Cumin + Allspice (4:1 ratio)
• Sambar Masala Powder
• Tikka Masala Powder
• Chaat Masala Powder
• Ras El Hanout Powder

Recipes with Garam Masala:

• Slow-Cooker Butter Chicken
• Chicken Tikka Masala
• Chickpea Chana Masala

Garam Masala Recipe

Author: Stephanie Kay

Ready in 5 minutes, this homemade garam masala powder is quick and easy to make and the perfect for any at-home Indian cooking.

• Author: Stephanie Kay
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 0.3 cups 1x
• Category: Spices
• Method: No Cook
• Cuisine: Indian

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves or allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

1. In a small bowl or jar, add the ground cumin, coriander, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, and stir until well combined.
2. Once mixed, the spice blend can be used immediately or stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 teaspoon
• Calories: 6 calories
• Sugar: 0 grams
• Fat: 0.3 grams
• Carbohydrates: 1 gram
• Fiber: 0.5 grams
• Protein: 0.2 grams