Make Your Own Garam Masala For Authentic Flavours and Aromas For Your Indian Food

If you're into cooking Indian food, then I recommend you make your own garam masala! This traditional blend of whole spices and pre-ground powders will add authentic Indian flavours to your home cooking. (See the bottom of the page for links to more of my recipes)

What You'll Need: (makes about 5-6 tablespoons)

3 tbsp coriander seeds (cilantro)
2 tbsp cumin seeds
1 tbsp black peppercorns
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ginger powder
2 inch stick of cinnamon 
5-6 dried bay leaves
8 black cardamom pods
1 tsp cloves
1 tsp grated nutmeg

tbsp = tablespoon
tsp = teaspoon

Directions:

  • Crack open the cardamom pods and remove the seeds
  • Break up the cinnamon stick
  • Finely grind the cinnamon and cardamom seeds along with the coriander, bay, cumin, cloves and peppercorns
  • Sieve into a bowl
  • Mix in the nutmeg, chili and ginger powders

Store your garam masala recipe in an airtight jar out of direct sunlight. Use within 3 months.

Note: You can dry toast the whole ingredients prior to grinding. Read more about this simple, recommended process. (Link opens in new window)

Note: I advise using whole spices where you can when making your blends and mixes, if you don't have them all you can use pre-ground powders. If this is the case, just reduce the amount the recipe says by half. For example, 2 tablespoons of cumin seeds equals 1 tablespoon of pre-ground cumin. Reduce any others you don't have whole by half as well.

A Few Other Blends and Seasonings You May Enjoy

An All-Purpose
Garam Masala With
Black Cardamom
and Fenugreek

A Basic Masala
That's Ideal For a
Whole Range of
Indian Dishes

Curry Powders - 
Add Fab Authentic
Flavours to Your
Home Cooked 
Indian Food


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