Make Your Own Masala Recipe and Recreate
the Authentic Flavours of Indian Food

A homemade masala recipe is the secret to recreating the authentic flavours and aromas of Indian cooking. This potent mix of spices is easy-to make and will add that WOW factor to your curries and other Asian dishes! (See the bottom of the page for other recipes)

What You'll Need: (makes about 9-10 tablespoons)

3 tbsp coriander seeds 
2 tbsp cumin seeds
1 tbsp long pepper (or black peppercorns)
1 tbsp fennel seeds
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ginger powder
3 inch stick of cassia-cinnamon
7-8 dried bay leaves
8-10 black cardamom pods
2 tsp cloves
1 tsp grated nutmeg

tbsp = tablespoon
tsp = teaspoon

Directions:

  • Crack open the black cardamom and remove the seeds. Discard the husks
  • Break up the cinnamon stick and crumble the bay
  • Grind the cardamom, bay and cinnamon along with the coriander, fennel, cumin, cloves and long pepper
  • Sieve into a bowl
  • Finally, stir in the nutmeg, chili and ginger powders

Store your garam masala mix in an airtight jar out of direct sunlight and use within 6 months.

Note: For more flavours, dry toasting the fennel, coriander, long pepper, cloves and cumin seeds prior to cooling and grinding is a recommended process. Read more about toasting spices. (Link opens in new window)

Long Pepper Note: As you may notice I used long pepper, a member of the pepper family, as I had some available.

However, there is every chance you won't have them, so just use black peppercorns. It won't make too much difference to the finished powder.



Ingredient Note: This recipe  uses a few whole ingredients as these give the best flavours. However, if you don't have them all available whole, simply use their pre-ground versions. If you do, reduce the amounts you add by half. For example instead of 2 tablespoons cumin seeds you would use 1 tablespoon pre-ground cumin. Reduce any others you don't have whole by half as well.


Homemade masala recipeHomemade Garam Masala

Here's a Short Slideshow of How I Made it...



After Making Your Masala Recipe You May Enjoy...

Chaat Masala - A 
Unique Blend 
Popular in India 
and Pakistan

A Milder Garam Mix 
For Your Lighter
Indian Dishes

Poultry Seasoning 
Collection For 
Chicken, Turkey 
and Game Birds


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