Garam Masala Recipe – Authentic Indian Spice Blend at Home
Garam Masala is a warm, aromatic Indian spice blend made from a mix of whole spices like cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and more. This homemade version enhances the flavor of curries, dals, and rice dishes with a deeply fragrant, earthy taste that store-bought mixes often lack.
Ingredients
- 10–12 cloves
- 2 tbsp coriander seeds
- 2 tbsp black peppercorns
- 5 tbsp cumin seeds
- 5 green cardamoms
- 2 pieces of dry ginger
- 2 tsp mace
- 5 small cinnamon sticks
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 whole nutmegs
Instructions
- Spread all the whole spices on a tray and place them in direct sunlight for 1–2 hours to ensure they are moisture-free. (Alternatively, dry roast on low heat for 1–2 minutes each, if sunlight is unavailable.)
- Break the nutmeg, cinnamon, and dry ginger into smaller chunks before grinding for better texture.
- First, grind the harder spices like nutmeg, dry ginger, and cinnamon sticks to a coarse powder.
- Add the rest of the spices to the grinder and blend everything together until you achieve a fine powder.
- Let the ground masala cool completely and store in an airtight glass jar or spice container.
- Use as required in recipes to enhance flavor and aroma.
Chef’s Tips
- You can lightly roast the spices instead of sun-drying for a deeper flavor.
- Add 1 tsp of fennel seeds or star anise for a sweeter, more aromatic version.
- Reduce pepper if you prefer less heat.
- Store in small batches to preserve freshness longer.