Garam masala

If you landed here you may be wondering what Garam masala is. It is a mixture of spices very popular in India. Many call it the queen of the kitchen as it is very versatile and goes well with a wide variety of preparations, giving it a very special flavor. Outside of India, many adepts of this flavor call it "the taste of India".

Although this mixture is enough to make a curry, it is usually a base mixture to which other spices are added depending on the recipe and the flavor we want to enhance.

What are the spices in Garam masala? Garam masala ingredients

Garam masala is made with a mixture of spices: cumin, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, bay leaf, black cardamom and coriander seeds.

Although these spices are usually the base of most Garam masala, there are thousands of varieties since each cook has his/her own recipe that varies according to the area of the country. Other versions usually add fennel, bay leaf, chili...

Where to buy Garam masala

If you want to buy the mix already made I recommend you to buy it in Indian and/or Pakistani food stores to make sure it is the traditional flavor. If you don't have one nearby you can find the same Garam masala on Amazon (this is the one I like the most).

Another option is to buy them in the supermarket. Garam masala has become so popular that almost all major food stores carry it. Both Mercadona's Garam masala and Lidl's Garam masala are quite faithful to the traditional one. You can also find it at Carrefour, Consum, Aldi, Alcampo...

But I personally recommend that you buy this one or even better if you prepare it yourself as the flavor will be more authentic and intense. Don't worry, I'll give you my recipe 🙂

How to make Garam masala? 

Making homemade Garam masala is very easy and fast. You only need a stone mortar or a electric grinder and the ingredients you choose for your preparation.

Ingredients

• 10 grs cumin grains
• 10 grs whole black cardamom
• 10 grs black peppercorns
• 8 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• ⅓ nutmeg

Instructions

1. Mix all the ingredients and grind them in a stone mortar or in an electric grinder.
2. Once ground, the spice mixture (Garam masala) is kept in an airtight jar and stored in a cupboard away from light.
3. If you like to make your Garam masala mix on the spot for your recipe, I recommend toasting the special ones in a frying pan before grinding them so the heat will help to enhance their maximum flavor.

Recipes with Garam masala:

• Chana Masala (spiced chickpeas)
• Chicken curry or Chicken Garam masala
• Aloo Gobi (potatoes with cauliflower)
• Butter Chicken (chicken in creamy curry)
• Chicken Tikka Masala

If you want to learn more about spices, I recommend the book "The Science of Spices ". A very visual encyclopedia of spices around the world.

I hope you enjoy your Garam masala Please leave me your comments and/or questions! You can also rate it, share it or if you want you can upload a photo to Instagram with the hashtag #cocinandoconmiviajealaindia. I'll love to see your garam masala!