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    Home » Recipes » Small Batch Sauces

    By Joanie Zisk Published: Feb 23, 2015 · Updated: Apr 14, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links · Please read my disclosure

    Small Batch Garam Masala Recipe

    Jump to Recipe
    a bowl of garam masala on a yellow napkin

    See just how easy it is to make your own small batch 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.

    a bowl of garam masala on a yellow napkin

    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.

    Why This Recipe Works

    • Homemade spice blends tend to have more flavor than store-bought versions since those have usually lost their flavor while sitting on shelves.
    • Bottled spices purchased from the store can be expensive. When you make a small batch of garam masala, you use what you need and there's little to no waste.

    RELATED: Single Serving Comfort Food Recipes

    What Spices Are In Garam Masala?

    To make a small batch of garam masala, you will need:

    • cumin
    • coriander
    • cardamom
    • pepper
    • cinnamon
    • cloves
    • nutmeg
    • allspice

    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 our easy recipe using already ground spices.

    See below for ways to use leftover ingredients.

    Mixing spices for garam masala in a bowl before mixed
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    Frequently Asked Questions

    What Does Garam Masala Taste Like?

    Garam masala is a complex blend of spices including sweet cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, spicy pepper, tangy coriander, earthy cumin, and fragrant cardamom.

    There is no single garam masala recipe since the ingredients change from region and cook.

    Is Garam Masala Similar To Curry Powder?

    Both garam masala and curry powder are used to add plenty of flavor and color to different dishes. One of the biggest difference between the two is that traditionally garam masala does not contain turmeric and turmeric is a primary ingredient in curry powder.

    Garam masala has a more complex, stronger flavor than curry powder because of all of the spices included in the blend.

    What Is A Good Substitute For Garam Masala?

    If a recipe calls for garam masala and you don't have the spices on hand to make your own, consider using curry powder as a substitute. You won't get the same warm flavors from the spices but curry powder works well in most Indian dishes.

    Another option is to use cumin and a pinch of allspice.

    Expert Tips

    • Use garam masala in either of these single serving recipes: Butter Chicken and Saag Paneer.
    • When making homemade spice blends, be sure that the spices you use are fresh.

    Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

    If you have any spices leftover from this small batch garam masala recipe, you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

    • Cumin: Black Bean Soup, Baba Ganoush, Vegetarian Enchiladas
    • Coriander: Mashed Potatoes, Chicken Tagine, Carne Asada
    • Cardamom: Sugarplums
    • Black pepper: Chicken Cordon Bleu, Mediterranean Chicken, Chicken Tortilla Soup
    • Cinnamon: Apple Cinnamon Scones, Snickerdoodles, Ham Steak
    • Cloves: Pumpkin Coffee Cake, Ginger Cookies, Sweet Potato Casserole
    • Nutmeg: Apple Fritters, Baked Apples, Crustless Quiche Lorraine
    • Allspice: Apple Butter, Apple Granola, Swedish Meatballs

    RELATED: 15 Easy Dessert Recipes For One

    For information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.

    For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.

    bowl of garam masala spice with a measuring spoon on the side

    Small Batch 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.
    4.75 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    See the post above for expert tips,
    FAQs and ways to use leftover ingredients.
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Course: Spice
    Cuisine: Indian
    Author: Joanie Zisk

    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
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Mix the spices together in a small bowl and store in airtight container.

    Notes

    Expert Tips
    • Use garam masala in either of these single serving recipes: Butter Chicken and Saag Paneer.
    • When making homemade garam masala, be sure that the spices you use are fresh.

    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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    About Joanie Zisk

    Joanie Zisk is the creator of OneDishKitchen.com, the number one go-to site for single serving recipes. The aim of One Dish Kitchen is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul. Her website is filled with hundreds of easy, flavorful recipes that are tailored for those cooking for one. Joanie is the author of "The Ultimate Cooking For One Cookbook" and her recipes and food photography have been featured in various publications including, TODAY.com, Huffington Post, Real Simple, Self.com,Women’s Day, Buzzfeed, and others. Come say hello and follow Joanie on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and LinkedIn.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lisa Edwina says

      January 26, 2020 at 11:41 pm

      Really thanks for this post. i like your post . it is helpful for me.

      Reply
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