Garam Masala Recipe – see just how easy it is to make your own Garam Masala spice blend. Garam Masala is found in many Indian dishes and is a wonderful spice to add to many recipes, including those with chicken or fish.
(This Garam Masala article was previously posted on ZagLeft. Since Garam Masala is such a wonderful Indian spice to keep on hand to use in various Indian recipes as well as a spice I love to sprinkle over chicken and fish, I decided to update the post and pictures.)
Garam Masala is a spice blend found in many Indian dishes. In English, the name literally means “hot or warm spices”.
It is said that the spices used to make Garam Masala make the body warm. They also have medicinal as well as digestive benefits .
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Spices Found In Garam Masala
The general combination of spices found in Garam Masala are cumin, coriander, cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice but the composition of spices differ regionally and there are many different variations.
I was introduced to Garam Masala a few years ago and I’ve loved it ever since. I bought a small bottle because I needed it in a pinch for an Indian recipe I was making and was surprised by how expensive a little jar was.
After reading the ingredients on the label and realized it would be so easy to make it at home and would only cost a fraction of what I paid for the little bottle.
The traditional way of making Garam Masala is by toasting the whole seeds and crushing them.
If you don’t have the time to go through the roasting and crushing steps, try this easy recipe using already ground spices.
Use Garam Masala to flavor a variety of Indian dishes or to liven up chicken, salmon or shrimp.
Two favorite recipes using Garam Masala are…
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Garam Masala Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
Instructions
- Mix the spices together and store in airtight container.
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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I’m assuming that you use ground cloves? Thank you! Eileen
Yes, use ground cloves. Thank you for pointing that out. I should have been more specific. Have a great day!
Thank you! I figured as much but just had to ask. I have all the ingredients and didn’t want to run to the store to buy Garam Masala (and it’s expensive as you say). I will be making this today and will use it to make Chicken Tikka Masala. Thanks again!
You’re very welcome, enjoy!
Update: I used your Garam Masala recipe last night. It really made the dish!! Two thumbs up from my husband! Thank you for sharing this spice mix recipe. I will make this again and again.
So glad you and your husband liked it!
Oh wow! I usually buy the pre-mixed garam masala – but I actually have all of these spices at home! Can’t wait to try this recipe!
That’s what I love about this recipe, Martha. Most of us have all the spices we need already.
I’ve been trying to do the same thing lately (pull older relevant posts and give them a facelift). I definitely think garam masala is something that should be in everybody’s spice cabinet. I love the sound of yours. Plus, such pretty photos! 🙂
Thanks so much, Heather. I agree, it should be in everyone’s pantry.
Where were you last month when I paid over $6 dollars for a container of garam masala?! Haha, thankfully I found it much cheaper elsewhere and returned that expensive bottle, but glad to have a homemade recipe now!
It’s an expensive spice to buy and so very easy to make at home.
All of those spices look so pretty together in the bowl! I didn’t realize how easy it could be to make your own garam masala – I’ll have to try this!
Thank you. It’s so easy to make, Cate.
Joanie, I had the same experience (buying Garam Masala and being horrified at the price when I looked at the ingredient list.) How did you decided on the exact spices and amounts? I know that there are as many recipes as there are people who make their own Garam Masala – thinking of doing yours the “old fashioned way” i.e. roasting and crushing whole spices, then giving it in small jars as gifts.
Laura, when I first set out to make my own garam masala, I researched the recipe in a few books and online. Most of the recipes called for using whole spices. I wanted to make a quick and easy garam masala using ground spices so I experimented. I looked at the amount of whole spices and tried to estimate what it might be if the spice was ground. Since I’m familiar with the taste of garam masala and since many garam masala recipes are family recipes and differ from family to family, I went with the blend I found most familiar to me. I think a gift of garam masala in a small jar would be a wonderful gift to give.
Joanie,
I don’t mind using whole spices because I have my daughter to grind them for me–she likes it!–but I can see the day in the future when she’s not going to be around to help me. Thanks for a handy recipe!
That’s great, Kirsten. I agree, it’s great if you can use whole spices.
I’ve been working on my older posts and giving them a nip/tuck as well. I love garam masala and love how easy is to make, even with toasting (which I love). Much like you I brought a jar once and my eyes almost popped out of my head when I saw the price.
Some of the photos in my older posts make me cringe. It’s crazy how expensive garam masala can be. Next time, I’ll try toasting.
Can’t wait to try this, Indian food is something I want to make more often!
Me too, Valerie. Cooking Indian food used to intimidate me but I’m beginning to venture off and try recipes. I’m finding that cooking Indian food isn’t hard and the flavors are just wonderful.
This blend definitely seems like something my husband would love!
My husband loves garam masala and would probably like in on just about anything.
I have been doing the re-do post thing too. I love homemade spice mixes. Thanks for sharing this one!
I love garam masala and anything to do with these flavors. One of my favorite cuisines for sure!
Mine too. Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment.
I have such a hard time finding it where I live. I wish I had seen this earlier. About a year ago I was making something that required it and I had a doozy of a time trying to come up with a mix on my own. You rock, totally love this.
Love this version, Joanie – so much easier and less expensive than store bought!
I have only cooked with garam masala in culinary school but always wondered how to make it. This is perfect!!
It’s crazy how easy it is to make and it brings so much flavor to a dish.
Definitely your Easy Garam Masala Recipe is awesomeness! This is a great recipe Joanie, as you know I made it a short while ago and it was lovely, in fact have made it again since. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Jill.
I had a similar Garam Masala with wild rice at a restaurant recently and found myself craving it and wondering if I could recreate it today for chicken.