Garam masala powder is a blend of ground spices commonly used in Indian and South Asian cuisines. It typically includes ingredients like coriander, cumin, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and sometimes other spices.
Homemade garam masala powder can make your culinary adventures more exciting. If you follow these simple steps, you will have your own jar of flavorful garam masala in no time. Let’s dive in!
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.
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.
Recipe Card
Garam Masala Powder
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Cinnamon stick
- 2 tbsp Cloves
- 1 tbsp Cardamom
- 5 pieces Star anise
- 1 tbsp Fennel seed
- 1 tbsp Cumin seed
- 1 tbsp Black pepper
- 1 piece Mace
- 1 piece Kalpasi
- 2 pieces Bay leaves
- ½ cup Coriander seed
Instructions
- 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.
- Stir continuously over a medium flame to ensure even roasting. When it is done, set them aside to cool.
- Now, roast ½ cup coriander seeds separately and set them aside to cool.
- Put all the ingredients in a mixer and blend them nicely.
- Your garam masala powder is ready.
Notes
- Use only fresh spices of top quality to make garam masala powder. This will help in augmenting and retaining the exquisite natural flavor of the masala powder.
- You must roast the whole spices patiently and carefully to perfection to make garam masala powder. Take your time but do not burn the spices while roasting. I stir continuously and roast them just enough to release their natural flavor.
- Make sure that the roasted whole spices cool down completely before you grind them. Little bit of heat will cause condensation due to moisture and reduce the shelf life of the garam masala powder. It will also affect the flavor.
- You may include other whole spices to make a customized garam masala powder. Make sure that you dry-roast them as well. You may also alter the volume of individual spices if you want.
- You may make a coarse or a fine powder of the spices. It is your choice. However, keep in mind that you will need to grind the spices a number of times to achieve a smoother powder, straining the whole powder every time using a metal strainer. Repeat the process until you get the desired consistency in the texture.
