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Garam Masala Spice Blend

A fragrant North Indian whole-spice blend toasted and ground fresh at home, yielding a far more vibrant and complex flavor than any store-bought jar. Use it to finish curries, stews, and roasted vegetables.

15 minEasyServes 1620 cal/serving

IndianSauceStovetopVeganVegetarianPaleoWhole30Low CarbHalal-friendlyGluten-FreeDairy-FreeEgg-FreeNut-FreeSoy-FreeSesame-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp whole coriander seeds
  • 4 tsp whole cumin seeds
  • 16 green cardamom pods
  • 2 tsp whole black peppercorns
  • 2 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
  • 12 whole cloves
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • 1/4 tsp whole nutmeg, grated

Instructions

  1. 1

    Place a dry skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp whole coriander seeds, 4 tsp whole cumin seeds, 16 green cardamom pods, 2 tsp whole black peppercorns, 2 broken into pieces cinnamon stick, 12 whole cloves, and 2 dried bay leaves to the pan.

  2. 2

    Toast, shaking the pan frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes until the spices are fragrant and just beginning to darken. Do not walk away - they burn quickly.

  3. 3

    Immediately transfer the toasted spices to a plate and let cool completely, about 5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Grind the cooled spices to a fine powder in a spice grinder or clean coffee grinder. Add 1/4 tsp grated whole nutmeg and pulse once to combine.

  5. 5

    Sift through a fine-mesh strainer if you prefer a very smooth blend, discarding any fibrous husks.

  6. 6

    Store in an airtight jar away from heat and light for up to 3 months.

Questions

Can I make Garam Masala Spice Blend ahead?

Yes, it takes well to being made ahead. Refrigerated in a sealed jar, it keeps four to five days. It also freezes flat in a bag for up to three months.

Can I halve or double Garam Masala Spice Blend?

Yes. As written it serves 16. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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