Garam Masala is the quintessential Indian spice blend or mix which brings authentic flavors in your Indian cooking.

Recipe Snapshot

  • Prep time: Not specified
  • Cook time: 10 minutes
  • Total time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 oz
  • Category: Spice Blend
  • Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons cloves
  • 2 tablespoons black peppercorns
  • 1 tablespoon green cardamoms
  • 4-5 black cardamoms
  • 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
  • 6-8 2 inch cinnamon sticks
  • 6 bay leaves
  • 2 star anise (optional)
  • 3 strands mace
  • 1/2 small nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup cumin seeds
  • 1/2 cup coriander seeds

Method

  1. Take a heavy bottom pan, and add the spices like cloves, black peppercorns, green cardamom, black cardamom, saunf (fennel seeds), cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, star anise, mace, and nutmeg. Dry roast on low heat for 2-3 minutes, or until aromatic, stirring continuously to roast evenly. Remove to a plate and allow it to cool. Do not brown the spices.
  2. Next, add the cumin seeds and roast them for 1-2 minutes on low heat. Once done, transfer to a plate.
  3. Next, add the coriander seeds and roast them on low heat for 2-3 mins till aromatic. Remove and allow to cool.
  4. Wait until the spices cool down.
  5. Once cooled, add the roasted spices to a blender or coffee grinder and grind them into a fine powder. If you do not have a large grinder, you can choose to grind in batches.
  6. Your Garam Masala is ready! Store it in an airtight container. Serves 8 oz of garam masala powder.

Kiyaan Singh’s Kitchen Note

Keep this recipe as a working base: cook once as written, then adjust spice, texture, and serving style for your own table.