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Ditch the store-bought spices and elevate your dishes with a simple, homemade Garam Masala blend! This recipe is perfect for small kitchens and those cooking for one, as it uses common pantry staples and is so easy to customize. Plus, homemade spice blends are always more flavorful and aromatic than anything you’ll find pre-made.
Garam masala is a versatile spice blend that works wonders with chicken, seafood, or pork. Give it a try in delicious single serving recipes like Chicken Tikka Masala, Saag Paneer, and Butter Chicken.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ease of Preparation: No need for whole spices or a grinder; ground spices work wonderfully.
- Customizable: Adapt the ratios to suit your taste.
- Shelf-stable: Store it for months and it will still maintain its flavors.
- Aromatic and Flavorful: Homemade beats store-bought, every time, offering complex and layered aromas and tastes.
What Is Garam Masala?
Garam Masala is a traditional Indian spice blend that is essential to various dishes across Indian cuisine. The name translates to “hot spices,” but don’t be fooled. This mix isn’t about heat; it’s all about a rich, warming blend of spices like cumin, coriander, cardamom, and more. Every region and even every home in India might have its unique twist, but they all share the same aromatic essence.
RELATED: Single Serving Comfort Food Recipes
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 white rice.
- Grilled Veggies: 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 three months when stored in an airtight container, placed in a cool and dark location.
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 for garam masala 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: 15 Easy Dessert Recipes For One
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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 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.
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