Indian Garam Masala Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is Indian garam masala made of? ›

Garam masala is a spice blend widely used in Indian cuisine, from curries and lentil dishes to soups. Whole spices of cinnamon, mace, peppercorns, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and cardamon pods are toasted in a pan to release their aromatic flavors, then ground to a powder.

There is some overlap, but curry powder is generally a blend of aromatic, earthy, and sometimes hot spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, and fenugreek, while garam masala is a blend of warm, sometimes slightly sweet spices such as cloves, cardamom, peppercorns, coriander, cumin, and cinnamon.

You can use garam masala in many different ways. I love adding it to a marinade for chicken or fish, mixing it into a curry paste, or blending it with yogurt as a dipping sauce. If you're making a dal, curry, or soup, add the garam masala during the simmering step toward the end of cooking.

8: Store in an air-tight container in a cool dry place. It keeps well for about 6 months. You can add this spice blend to your everyday curries, lentils, veggies and rice dishes. About ¼ to ½ teaspoon of this punjabi garam masala for 4 servings is enough to flavor up your curries and dals.

Garam Masala vs.

“Masala” means “spice blend.” Garam and tandoori masalas are both flavorful, spicy mixes that are commonly used in Indian cuisines. However, they have different ingredients and are used in different ways: Garam masala is typically used to season cooked food.

Is Garam Masala The Same As 7 Spice? Garam Masala is not the same as 7 spice. While garam masala may consist of 7 spices, a traditional 7 spice uses white pepper in place of nutmeg, as well as the addition of allspice in place of cardamom.

Garam masala (from Hindustani گرم مصالحہ/गरम मसाला garam masālā, "hot spices") is a blend of ground spices originating from the Indian subcontinent. It is common in Indian, Pakistani, Nepalese, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan and Caribbean cuisines. It is used alone or with other seasonings.

Garam masala tends to have a stronger, sharper and more complex flavor based on the types of spices that are traditionally part of this blend. Curry powder is traditionally made with more mild spices. Garam masala generally does not include turmeric but turmeric tends to be a primary ingredient in curry powder.

While both are Indian spice mixes, their unique flavor profiles distinguish them. Curry Powder tends to be milder, with a symphony of spices creating a harmonious, less intense flavor compared to the robust complexity of Garam Masala.

Because of its components – coriander, cumin, cardamom, black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, etc., Tikka Masala is a solid choice to imitate the flavor of garam masala. Therefore, you can use this spice blend in a recipe that calls for Garam Masala in the same quantity, especially for meat preparations.

When should you add garam masala? ›

Though spices are typically fried at the start of a recipe, there are also benefits to adding them later on. Dev Biswal explains: 'Generally, it's better to add garam masala at the end of the cooking process, as it works on an aromatic level, raising the whole nature of the dish.

For the best application of garam masala, it needs to be cooked (i.e., this is not the spice blend to sprinkle raw over cucumbers or dips). Begin by sautéing it with your aromatics at the start of cooking, add it midway to perfume the entire stew or braise, or do both.

Garam masala may cause some side effects, when an ingredient like pepper is added in large quantity. In some people, it may cause itching of the skin, while in others, it may cause rashes. There are cases when there is burning sensation in the mouth. In some people, garam masala leads to diarrhoea and vomiting.

Many Garam Masala constituents, including pepper, cinnamon, and cumin, have antioxidant characteristics that make them ideal for boosting resistance to common illnesses like cough and cold during the winter. Due to its high antioxidant content, this spice mixture reduces your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Garam masala contains cinnamon which is a known source of fiber and aids in restoring digestive enzymes in the body. Garam masala is useful in improving concentration levels and alertness, a cup of garam masala tea has been found to be beneficial for people driving at night.

Dissen notes that the cumin and allspice blend works well with traditional Indian Bhindi Masala (curried okra). He personally uses this substitute if he runs out of store-bought garam masala spice at home. Dissen suggests replacing every part of garam masala with 1 part cumin and ¼ part allspice.