Garam Masala is a staple in Indian cuisine, but even if you’re not cooking Indian food, there is plenty of dishes you can use it in. I love adding it to rice dishes, grilled vegetables and sometimes even to tomato sauces. It’s very easy to make, and if you don’t have all ingredients grounded, you can easily mix them as whole and ground in a mortar. Transfer to a small glass container, decorate nicely and it makes a lovely gift.
Try your newly ground garam masala in this chickpea chan masala recipe.
Print
How to Grind Your Own Garam Masala
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 2 tbsp
- Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Grind your own garam masala for a flavor explosion! This simple recipe lets you control the spice blend perfectly.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp ground cumin (or whole cumin seeds, toasted and ground, then measured)
- 1 1/2 tsp ground black pepper (or whole peppercorns, ground, then measured)
- 1 1/2 tsp ground coriander (or whole coriander seeds, toasted and ground, then measured)
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cardamom (or whole cardamom pods, seeds removed and ground, then measured)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (or cinnamon stick, ground, then measured)
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg (or whole nutmeg, freshly grated, then measured)
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves (or whole cloves, ground, then measured)
Instructions
- If using whole spices, toast lightly in a dry pan until fragrant, then grind to a fine powder in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, measuring out the amounts above. If using pre-ground spices, simply mix them together in a bowl.
- Transfer to a small glass container and store in a cool, dry place.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, lightly toast the whole spices in a dry pan before grinding.
- Adjust the spice quantities to your preference; this recipe is a guideline.
- Store your garam masala in an airtight container away from light and moisture for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tbsp
- Calories: 20
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 10
- Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 0
Frequently Asked Questions
What spices do I need to make my own garam masala?
You can use a variety of spices such as cumin, coriander, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper. Feel free to adjust based on what you have on hand.
Can I grind spices using a mortar instead of a grinder?
Yes, you can mix whole spices and grind them using a mortar and pestle for a more traditional approach, measuring out the same amounts listed in the ingredients.
How should I store my homemade garam masala?
Transfer the ground garam masala to a small glass container and keep it in a cool, dark place to maintain its flavor.
