Roasted Garam Masala
As the weather cools, we tend to SPICE up our food. Fall is a wonderful time to explore the limitless depths of Indian flavors. This easy homemade Garam Masala Recipe is the perfect way to add a kick to your favorite autumn dishes!
Indian flavors are a comfort to me, warming my belly and soul. The fragrance of dark earthy spices conjures up hazy memories of rickshaws, colorful markets and old friends. The colors and rustic flavors of Indian cooking awaken the senses and complement many fall ingredients such as pumpkin, butternut squash, apples and root vegetables.
What is Garam Masala? A north Indian spice blend that literally translates “hot mix.” That’s not to say that Garam Masala is always HOT. There are many variations of Garam Masala, however the base generally consists of cinnamon, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, cloves, and cardamom. The emphasis on “hot” is completely optional. I like to add a little heat to mine, but not so much that it takes away from the other flavors. In this batch I used tiny Piquin peppers for an extra punch!
People are often perplexed by how to incorporate Indian spice blends into their meals. Garam Masala, I believe, is the most versatile of Asian spice blends because of the strong reliance on cinnamon. Just for kicks, try Garam Masala in: Hot Chocolate, Spiced Nuts, Cookies, and Dry Rubs. You won’t be sorry.
Why Should You Make Your Own Garam Masala?
- Cost. A 2 ounce jar of Garam Masala can cost around $7 a pop. Yet, if you use restraint at the grocery bulk bins, you can buy the ingredients to make 1/2 cup for about $1.50.
- Freshness. Roasting your own spices releases the oils in each spice, bringing the flavors to the surface.
- Flavor. There is no “official” Garam Masala recipe, because it is made to taste. Making your own, allows you to adjust the heat and ingredients to your liking.
Yield: 1/2 cup
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Garam Masala Recipe
Ingredients:
3 Tb. coriander seeds
3 Tb. cumin seeds
4 tsp. peppercorns
2 pieces dried ginger
1 Tb. green cardamom pods
3 whole star anise
2 tsp. cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
2 bay leaves
1 whole (small) nutmeg
1 dried cayenne chile (or 1 tsp. Piquin chiles) *optional
Directions:
Pour all spices in a large skillet and place over medium-high heat.
Toast and toss for 5-10 minutes until the spices are slightly darker and the aroma is strong.
Pour the spices into a coffee or spice grinder (or GOOD food processor) and grind to desired consistency. Course ground for rubs and fine for curries and baking.
Store in an airtight container for months.
USE GARAM MASALA IN:
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Mouth watering.
Thanks for sharing this. I hope it incite many to try their hands at mixing their spices to create unique blend to flavor their meals. It is so easy and the result is way above any pre-mixed and pre-grounded product on the market.
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I so want to be able to smell that right now! I’ve heard it’s really good in tea as well.
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I love using Garam Masala but have never made my own. Seemed easier to buy some from the Indian store. Thanks for sharing a homemade version Sommer.
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I love the idea of making spice blends from scratch, and you’re right — this one is perfect for the crisp weather.
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LOVE this, Sommer! Garam masala adds such a wonderful depth of flavor to so many dishes and the fresh stuff always tastes the best.
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Seriously. OMG. This is my most favorite spice ever. I’m FREAKING OUT.
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I love garam masala, but I’ve never made it from scratch – I can only imagine how much more fragrant it must be than the preground kind.
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I would have never thought to make garam masala from scratch. Great idea Sommer!
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Those spices looks so beautiful…it’s a shame to grind them up. But I guess that’s the best way to enjoy them. Thanks for another great recipe!
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I’m just starting to discover Indian food at home, and I’m amazed at the huge difference a homemade spice blend can make… definitely a huge step up from the bottled stuff.
Love the idea of using this blend in a pumpkin spice cake. That’s going straight to the top of my must-bake list!
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I’ve never made my home. What a great idea. It must be so fragrant.
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Love the pictures! Homemade Garam Masala is much better than the store bought and makes a huge difference in the taste of the food. Mine is a little difference. I also add black cumin and don’t use ginger, star anise and dried cayenne chilli! I also roast and grind my own coriander and cumin powder too….
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I fell in love with garam masala this year – I want scented candles in this fragrance so it can fill up my house! Well, I guess toasting my own blend might have the same effect.
My new bottle from Penzeys arrived last week but next time I’d love to try your approach.
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oh that sounds wonderful!
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Oh, how beautiful!!! Love your photos of the spices…truly lovely. And the scent must be fabulous…
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Clever! Thanks for the post!
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awesome one!! Fantastic photos
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I do love homemade garam masala! Not sure about the cost advantage, but freshness and flavours are unbeatable!
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What a wonderful blend of spices. This would liven up any recipe!
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Thanks for sharing your recipe for Garam Masala. I learned, a few years ago, that in India, there are many recipes for Garam Masala since many people make it with spices that they prefer. Great photos and close-ups of the spices. I can almost smell them.
Cheers,
Alaiyo
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Beautiful photographs! I love having recipes for things like this at home. It sounds wonderful!
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I am loving this! I use garam masala quite a bit. I’m going through bottles all the time. This could make things quite a bit easier. Thanks or sharing the recipe!!
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Inspired! Your garam masala looks fantastic! Must have a nice kick to it.
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These photos are lovely! And that garam masala looks so great! And I bet it tastes and smells even better!
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Happy Halloween to you……! Hope having fun today and this garam masala is looking superb. thanks for sharing this recipe, too perfect to add indian flavors to any dish. I loved the addition of star anise in it, will try it soon…. !!!
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WOW! Look at that…Simply gorgeous, Sommer. So fragrant and delicate! Love it
Have a great week ahead!
HUGS <3
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BTW, I love every single pic
Happy Halloween!
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This post inspired me. Thanks for sharing it.
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Your photography is lovely!
I got my recipe for Garam Masala from Cooks Illustrated.
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I love all the close ups of the spices, they are really beautiful.
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YES! Thank you for this recipe! Making it yourself seriously is the much cheaper alternative!
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Your colorful photos of the spice blend before processing are superb! Glad the cayenne pepper is optional because my vegetarian mouth is quite sensitive to this thing.
Thank you.
I usually put Cognac XO into my old fashioned hot chocolate for a special kick but I’ll try garam masala now
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Great minds think alike
I was just contemplating making my own garam masala. You beat me to it!
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I actually have some of this stuff in my spice cabinet, but hadn’t the foggiest what to do with it. thanks for the suggestion, Spicy…will def try it soon in some hot cocoa!!
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this masala looks aromatic
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I’m always so inspired when I see someone take something like spices and turns them into a beautiful photographic journey. Thanks for sharing. I hope you have a beautiful Wednesday full of laughter and love.
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What a terrific idea to make your own garam masala!! waw!!
I am so going to make this! yum!
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I love making my own spice blends, too. I haven’t tried garam masala at home yet. Thank you so much for sharing this!
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Mmmm, I LOVE garam masala. Such a wonderful spice blend. I make spiced mixed nut each year and I always add some garam masala.
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Those whole spices are so pretty! Must get my hands on some star anise & make my own masala!
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Love the spices you have used here for the garam masala, and really love that they are toasted! I can just imagine the amazing aroma
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How cool and unique!
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I wish I had this recipe a couple of months ago when I actually bought the stuff
This one looks so much better!
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Love the look of your spice tin. Can you buy them online?
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