Homemade Garam Masala: The Secret to Authentic Indian Flavors

Unlock the aromatic wonders of Indian cuisine with this easy-to-make garam masala blend. This versatile spice mixture is the key to elevating your curries, braises, and other Indian-inspired dishes to restaurant-quality levels.
Master the art of blending spices and bring the vibrant flavors of India right into your kitchen with this foolproof garam masala recipe.
Aromatic Garam Masala Blend
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 green cardamom pods, husks removed (for intense flavor)
- 2 tablespoons (20g) whole coriander seeds (for citrusy notes)
- 1 tablespoon (10g) whole cumin seeds (for earthy depth)
- 1 tablespoon (12g) whole black peppercorns (for heat and complexity)
- 1 teaspoon (4g) whole cloves (for warmth and sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon (4g) fennel seeds (for a subtle licorice touch)
- 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick (6g) (for sweet and woody aroma)
- 1 star anise pod (1g) (for a hint of sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon (2g) ground nutmeg or mace (for nutty richness)
Directions
- Prepare for a sensory journey! Place cardamom, coriander, cumin, peppercorns, cloves, fennel, cinnamon, and anise in a medium skillet over medium heat. Toast the spices, stirring frequently, until they release their intoxicating aromas – about 2 minutes. This crucial step awakens the flavors and oils within each spice. Transfer your toasted spice medley to a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Add the ground nutmeg to complete the blend. Grind everything into a fine, fragrant powder. Your homemade garam masala will maintain its potency for up to 6 months when stored in an airtight, light-free container.
Pro Tips
This recipe is easily scalable – double or triple the quantities to always have this magical spice blend on hand. Experiment with the ratios to create your signature garam masala!
Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
---|---|
11 | Calories |
0g | Fat |
2g | Carbs |
0g | Protein |
Detailed Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings: 17 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 11 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 0g | 1% |
Saturated Fat 0g | 0% |
Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
Sodium 2mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 2g | 1% |
Dietary Fiber 1g | 4% |
Total Sugars 0g | |
Protein 0g | |
Vitamin C 0mg | 2% |
Calcium 25mg | 2% |
Iron 1mg | 4% |
Potassium 44mg | 1% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |