Easy Garam Masala

4.8
(270)

This garam masala recipe is an aromatic blend of Indian spices. Garam masala is better when made with whole spices that have been roasted and ground, but this is a quick and easy substitute that's pretty good.

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A small glass jar of homemade garam masala spice mix with a wooden spoon
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Prep Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
5 mins
Servings:
12
Yield:
1/4 cup

There's no need to buy store-bought garam masala when you have all the ingredients you need to make the spice blend at home! This easy garam masala recipe will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.

What Is Garam Masala?

Garam masala is an Indian spice blend. Garam means "hot" while masala means "spices," but it's not necessarily hot and spicy — the name refers to the warm flavors of its ingredients, such as cinnamon and cumin.

Learn more: What Is Garam Masala?

What Is In Garam Masala?

These are the ground spices you'll need to make this garam masala recipe at home:

  • Cumin
  • Coriander
  • Cardamom
  • Black pepper
  • Cinnamon
  • Cloves
  • Nutmeg

How to Make Garam Masala

It couldn't be easier to make garam masala at home: Simply mix all the ingredients together and stir until well-combined. That's it!

How to Use Garam Masala

Garam masala is usually added toward the end of cooking so that it seasons the dish and adds its aroma. In need of some recipe inspiration? Explore our collection of 10 Recipes to Make with Garam Masala. Here's a preview of what you'll find:

How to Store Homemade Garam Masala

Store the garam masala in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place (such as a pantry or spice cabinet) for up to six months.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"I loved this stuff," raves Gitana. "I used whole spices though, roasted them together on dry pan until you could smell the aroma and then ground them all up. Was perfect on chicken tandoori and pulav."

"I always have some garam masala blend in my spice rack to kick up a spice rub for pork or chicken or to use in Indian dishes," says Robin Ann Donnelly. "Versatile and yummy!"

"Tastes great on roasts, chicken, lamb, and just about anything," according to Mary L. "I do occasionally sprinkle in a bit of cayenne for a bit of heat. Everyone loves it when I make a roast with this seasoning."

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings

  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin

  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground coriander

  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cardamom

  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves

  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    Ingredients to make homemade garam masala spice mix

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Mix cumin, coriander, cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a bowl.

    A glass bowl with cumin, coriander, cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg mixed together

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Place mix in an airtight container, and store in a cool, dry place.

    A small glass jar of homemade garam masala spice mix with a wooden spoon

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

558 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

6 Calories
0g Fat
1g Carbs
0g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 6
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0g 0%
Sodium 1mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 1g 0%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 0g 0%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 11mg 1%
Iron 1mg 3%
Potassium 17mg 0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.