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Homemade Garam Masala: The Secret to Authentic Indian Flavors

Authentic Indian Garam Masala Spice Blend Recipe

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

  1. 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.

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