Homemade Garam Masala

Garam masala is a wonderfully versatile Indian seasoning blend that will bring an incredible depth of flavor to a large variety of dishes. It is a blend of spices rather than a single spice. It is extensively used in Indian Cuisine, especially in Northern India. All the spices are roasted to release their aromatic flavors. Subsequently they are ground to make its powder form. “Garam” indicates warm and “Masala” indicates spice.

Ingredients – Interesting facts

Salt

• Salt is the most common ingredient in our kitchen.
• It is present in each and every cell of our body.
• Its Latin name is Sal from which the word “salary” is derived. It is believed that in the ancient times, the roman soldiers were paid in salt.
• It is essential for life, but its excess intake poses health risk.

Chilli

• Chillies are natural pain killers.
• National Chili Day is celebrated in U.S. on 4^th Thursday in February.
• Birds are immune to hotness of Chillies.
• Hottest part of Chilli are its interior veins, and not its seeds.

Black peppercorns

• Black Pepper comes from the dried fruit peppercorn.
• Black Pepper is mainly produced in India, Vietnam, Brazil and Indonesia.
• Black Peppercorns are green when harvested, and change color while drying.
• Pepper loses its flavor and aroma through evaporation. For the best flavor, it may be right before consumption.
• As it was so expensive, it was mostly eaten by the wealthy in the past.

Cumin seeds

• Cumin is believed to be originated from Egypt.
• It is a drought-tolerant crop and grows in tropical regions.
• Although it is called Cumin Seed, it is basically fruit of the cumin plant.
• It is commonly known as Jeera in India.
• Around 70% of the world’s cumin production is done in India.

Cardamom

• Cardamom is also one of the world’s oldest spices – cultivated for more than 4000 years.
• Cardamom is a universally popular spice.
• Ancient people believed cardamom had supernatural powers and that it could drive out evil spirits.
• According to Chinese tradition, drinking cardamom tea is the secret to long life.
• There are two widely known form of Cardamom. They are the Black Cardamom and the Green Cardamom.

Recipe Details

Print Recipe

Homemade Garam Masala

Author: Bharat Ki Rasoi Cooking Method: Mixing Cuisine: Indian Courses: Spices

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 5 min Cook Time 5 min Rest Time 15 min Total Time 25 mins Servings: 10 Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Ingredients

Servings

• 5 tablespoons Coriander seeds
• 3 tablespoons Cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon Green Cardamom
• 5 Black Cardamom
• 1 tablespoon Clove
• 1 teaspoon Black Peppercorns
• 3 Star Anise
• 2 sticks Cinnamon stick
• 1 Mace
• ¹⁄₂ Nutmeg
• 8 Dry Red Chilli
• 5 Bay leaves
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon Salt

Instructions

Roasting

1. • Take Coriander seeds (5 tbsp) and Cumin seeds (3 tbsp).
   • Roast them together on low flame for 1-2 minutes.
   • Remove and keep aside.
   • Roast the below mentioned ingredients on low flame for 3-4 minutes:
     • Green Cardamom – 1 tbsp
     • Black Cardamom – 5 nos
     • Clove – 1 tsp
     • Black Peppercorns – 1 tsp
     • Star Anise – 3 nos
     • Cinnamon stick –2 inch
     • Mace – 1
     • Nutmeg – ½ no.
     • Dry Red Chilli – 7-8 nos
     • Bay leaves – 4-5 nos
     • Salt – ½ tsp
   • Once roasted, take them out.

Grinding

1. • Combine all the roasted ingredients.
   • Allow them to cool completely.
   • Grind them.

Homemade garam masala is ready.

Storage

1. • Store it in airtight container.

Recipe Video