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This small batch garam masala is a warm, aromatic Indian spice blend that adds rich flavor to curries, stews, and roasted vegetables. It’s quick to mix together and perfect for keeping on hand.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Uses ground spices, no grinder needed.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice levels to your taste.
- Long-Lasting: Keeps its flavor for months in your pantry.
- Rich Flavor: Homemade offers deeper, more complex aromas than store-bought.
I’m excited to share this small batch garam masala because it captures the heart of Indian cooking in just a few spoonfuls. Garam masala translates to “hot spices,” but it isn’t fiery. It’s a beautifully balanced blend that brings warmth, depth, and a touch of magic to so many dishes.
You’ll find familiar spices here – cumin, coriander, cardamom – coming together to create a rich, fragrant mix you can use again and again. This is the blend I turn to when I want to add authentic flavor to curries, stews, or even roasted vegetables. It’s simple, versatile, and a true staple worth keeping close.
Garam masala is a versatile spice blend that also works wonders with chicken, seafood, or pork. Give it a try in delicious recipes like our Chicken Tikka Masala For One, Saag Paneer For One, and Butter Chicken For One.
What Spices Are In Garam Masala?
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch garam masala recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- cumin
- coriander
- cardamom
- pepper
- cinnamon
- cloves
- nutmeg
- allspice
Note: Traditionally, garam masala is made by toasting whole spice seeds and then grinding them. However, if you’re short on time, our quick and easy recipe uses pre-ground spices as a convenient alternative.
Expert Tips
- Fresh is Best: Make sure your spices are not expired for the best flavor profile.
- Jar Matters: Store your garam masala in an airtight container, away from heat and sunlight.
- Batch Size: Stick to smaller batches for maximum freshness and flavor.
How To Use Garam Masala
Spicing up your dishes with garam masala is like adding a finishing touch to a masterpiece.
- Curries: A sprinkle can totally transform your curry.
- Rice Dishes: Stir some into a single serving of white rice.
- Grilled Vegetables: Mix with olive oil and brush onto vegetables before grilling or roasting.
- Soups: Just a pinch can give a new dimension to your soups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Homemade garam masala retains its freshness for up to six months when stored in an airtight container in a cool and dark location.
No, it is not hot like chili powder. It has warming spices but does not add heat.
While both garam masala and curry powder are essential spice blends in various cuisines, they differ in composition and flavor profiles. Specifically, garam masala usually doesn’t include turmeric, a key ingredient in curry powder. Additionally, garam masala offers a more intricate and potent flavor due to the range of spices it contains.
If you find yourself without garam masala, curry powder can serve as a reasonable substitute in most Indian recipes, though it will lack some of the warm, complex flavors. Another option is a blend of cumin with a pinch of allspice to mimic some of the aromatic properties.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
RELATED: Single Serving Comfort Food Recipes
If you’ve tried this easy garam masala recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
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Small Batch Garam Masala
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
Instructions
- Mix the spices together in a small bowl and store in airtight container.
Notes
- Fresh is Best: Make sure your spices are not expired for the best flavor profile.
- Jar Matters: Store in an airtight container, away from heat and sunlight.
- Batch Size: Stick to smaller batches for maximum freshness and flavor.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Love your website. Would like to try the above but I’m not sure of the pepper, is it black pepper or red pepper? Thanks
Thank you so much for your kind words! The recipe calls for black pepper, but one of the great things about homemade spice blends is that you can adjust them to suit your taste. If you prefer a little more heat, you could add a pinch of red pepper as well. I hope you enjoy it!
Really thanks for this post. i like your post . it is helpful for me.