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
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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

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 (20g) whole coriander seed

  • 1 tablespoon (10g) whole cumin seed

  • 1 tablespoon (12g) whole black peppercorns

  • 1 teaspoon (4g) whole cloves

  • 1 teaspoon (4g) fennel seed

  • 1 (3-inch) stick of cinnamon (6g)

  • 1 star anise pod (1g)

  • 1/2 teaspoon (2g) 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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