5 from 1 vote

Homemade garam masala powder can make your culinary adventures more exciting.

This recipe brings together an assortment of aromatic spices, precisely dry-roasted and blended to perfection.

If you follow these simple steps, you will have your own jar of flavorful garam masala in no time. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Homemade garam masala powder creates flavorful magic.
Precision is important while dry-roasting the spices.

Adjust quantities of ingredients to customize the blend.
Enhance the taste of curries, rice dishes, and stews with the flavor of garam masala.
Get the best of India’s culinary advantage and heritage with homemade garam masala.

How to Make Garam Masala Powder? (Step by Step Images)

Step 1. Heat a pan and put 3 tbsp. cinnamon sticks, 2 tbsp. cloves, 1 tbsp. cardamom, 5 pieces of star anise, 1 tbsp. fennel seeds, 1 tbsp. cumin seeds, 1 tbsp. black pepper, one mace, one small black stone flower or Kalpasi, and 3 pieces of bay leaves broken int half one by one to dry-roast them.

Step 2. Stir continuously over a medium flame to ensure even roasting. When it is done, set them aside to cool.

Step 3. Now, roast ½ cup coriander seeds separately and set them aside to cool.

Step 4. Put all the ingredients in a mixer and blend them nicely.

Step 5. Your garam masala powder is ready.

Pro Tips for Making Garam Masala Powder

Quality Matters: Use only fresh, high-quality spices. The flavor of your garam masala will be as good as the ingredients you use.

Balancing Act: Adjust the quantities of ingredients to suit your taste. If you prefer a spicier blend, add more black pepper. For a sweeter note, increase the cardamom. You may also add additional ingredients such as black cardamom, caraway, small nutmeg, and ginger powder.

Roasting Nicely: Take your time while dry roasting. This step is crucial for releasing the full flavor of the spices. Keep stirring over medium heat to avoid burning.

Cool It Down: Let your roasted spices cool completely before blending. Warm spices can lead to condensation, which may affect the shelf life of your Garam Masala.

The Texture: The texture of your garam masala is a matter of personal preference. It is usually slightly coarse. If you like it fine and want a perfect consistency strain the powder on a metal strainer.

Storing Homemade Garam Masala Powder

Once you’ve prepared your flavorful garam masala powder, it’s important to store it properly to preserve its aroma and taste.

Materials Needed:

Airtight Container or Jar: Use a clean, dry, and airtight glass or plastic container to store the garam masala powder.

Steps:

1. Cooling Phase: Allow the freshly prepared garam masala powder to cool completely. Warm spices can lead to moisture buildup inside the container, reducing its shelf life.

2. Storage Container: Transfer the cooled garam masala powder into the airtight container. Ensure the container is completely dry to prevent moisture from affecting the powder.

3. Location: Store the container in a cool, dry, and dark place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing it near heat sources like stoves or ovens, as heat can degrade the spices’ flavors.

4. Labeling: Don’t forget to label the container with the date of preparation. This helps keep track of its freshness, as garam masala typically maintains its best flavor for about 3 to 4 months.

5. Avoiding Contamination: Use a clean, dry spoon or a spice scoop to take out the garam masala when needed. Moisture or foreign particles can reduce its quality over time.

Additional Tips:

If you’ve prepared a large batch and won’t use it all at once, consider dividing it into smaller portions. This prevents frequent exposure to air and helps maintain freshness.

Check the stored garam masala powder periodically for any signs of moisture or clumping. If moisture is noticed, you might need to transfer it to a fresh container after thoroughly drying the current one.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your homemade garam masala powder retains its rich flavors, allowing you to elevate your dishes with its aromatic essence whenever you desire.

What Does Garam Masala Powder Taste Like?

Warm and Earthy: The combination of roasted coriander, cinnamon, and cloves imparts a warm and earthy undertone to your dishes, creating a cozy, comforting feeling.

Zesty Zing: The inclusion of black pepper and cardamom provides a zesty, slightly peppery kick, adding a subtle but delightful heat to your meals.

Sweet and Spicy: The nutmeg and fennel seeds contribute a hint of sweetness and a mild licorice-like flavor, balancing the overall spiciness.

Aromatic Elegance: The star anise infuses a floral and licorice-like aroma, while the bay leaves provide a subtle herbal note, making your garam masala truly aromatic.

Garam Masala Powder Substitutes

Store-Bought Garam Masala: If you’re out of homemade Garam Masala, consider using store-bought Garam Masala as a convenient substitute. While it won’t have the same freshness, it can still infuse your dishes with the essential flavors.

Individual Spices: In a pinch, use a combination of individual ground spices. A blend of ground coriander, cardamom, black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg can recreate the Garam Masala flavor.

Cumin and Allspice: A mixture of ground cumin and allspice can provide some warmth and complexity similar to Garam Masala, although it may lack the exact depth and complexity of the original.

Curry Powder: While not identical, curry powder shares some common ingredients with Garam Masala, like coriander, cumin, and cinnamon. It can add an Indian-inspired flavor profile to your dishes.

Homemade Spice Blend: Create your own spice blend using spices you have on hand. For warmth, consider using a combination of cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper, and experiment to find the balance that suits your dish.

What Dishes Can Garam Masala Powder be Used in?

Curries: Garam Masala is a quintessential ingredient in Indian curries. Whether it’s a creamy butter chicken or a spicy vindaloo, it adds depth and warmth to the sauce.

Stews and Soups: Enhance the flavor of your hearty stews and soups, whether they’re meat-based or vegetarian. Just a pinch of Garam Masala can elevate the entire dish.

Rice Dishes: Transform plain rice into a fragrant delight by mixing Garam Masala with the rice while cooking. It pairs wonderfully with biryanis and pilafs.

Roasted Vegetables: Toss your favorite vegetables with a sprinkle of Garam Masala before roasting. The spices will infuse the veggies with a rich, aromatic flavor.

Grilled Meats: Marinate meats like chicken, lamb, or fish with a blend of Garam Masala and yogurt before grilling. The result is a tantalizing fusion of flavors.

Homemade Bread: Add a surprising twist to your homemade bread or naan by incorporating Garam Masala into the dough. It creates a delightful, aromatic bread.

Egg Dishes: Whether it’s scrambled eggs, omelets, or frittatas, Garam Masala can make your breakfast a flavorful experience.

Snacks: Sprinkle Garam Masala on popcorn, nuts, or roasted chickpeas for a unique and savory snack.