Garam Masala

This essential spice mixture can be used to flavor a variety of curries, braises, and other Indian dishes.

By
J. Kenji López-Alt
Kenji Lopez Alt
J. Kenji López-Alt
Culinary Consultant
Kenji is the former culinary director for Serious Eats and a current culinary consultant for the site. He is also a New York Times food columnist and the author of The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science.
Learn about Serious Eats' Editorial Process
Updated September 06, 2023
20150402-garam-masala.jpg
Photograph: Shutterstock.com

Why It Works

  • Toasting whole spices creates better flavor than mixing pre-ground spices.

This basic spice mixture can be used to flavor a variety of curries, braises, and other Indian dishes.

April 2016

Recipe Details

Garam Masala Recipe

Prep 10 mins
Active 10 mins
Total 10 mins
Serves 17 servings
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

  • 6 to 8 green cardamom pods, green husks removed and discarded

  • 2 tablespoons (20 g) whole coriander seed

  • 1 tablespoon (10 g) whole cumin seed

  • 1 tablespoon (12 g) whole black peppercorns

  • 1 teaspoon (4 g) whole cloves

  • 1 teaspoon (4 g) fennel seed

  • 1 (3-inch) stick of cinnamon (6 g)

  • 1 star anise pod (1g)

  • 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) ground nutmeg or mace

Directions

  1. Place cardamom, coriander, cumin, peppercorns, cloves, fennel, cinnamon, and anise in a medium skillet set over medium heat. Cook, tossing frequently, until aromatic and toasted-smelling, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Add ground nutmeg. Grind into a fine powder. Garam masala can be stored in an airtight, light-free container for up to 6 months.

Special Equipment

Spice grinder or mortar and pestle

Notes

This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled.

Read More

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
11Calories
0gFat
2gCarbs
0gProtein
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 17
Amount per serving
Calories11
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g1%
Saturated Fat 0g0%
Cholesterol 0mg0%
Sodium 2mg0%
Total Carbohydrate 2g1%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 0mg2%
Calcium 25mg2%
Iron 1mg4%
Potassium 44mg1%
*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.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

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