Homemade Garam Masala Recipe for that Authentic Indian Flavour

The smell of garam masala hitting hot food is hard to miss. It is a sign that the dish is almost ready and something good is about to be served. While most kitchens rely on a store-bought version, making your own garam masala spice lets you adjust the flavour the way you like it. Let us see how you can put together a mix at home.

About Garam Masala

Garam masala is an Indian spice blend. It is a mix of whole spices like cumin, coriander, cloves, cinnamon and cardamom. The word “garam” means hot, not in terms of spice level, but in the way it warms the body. It’s usually added at the end of cooking to enhance aroma and depth. Every region and household may have its own version. This way, it becomes a truly personal part of Indian cuisine.

Ingredients

To make garam masala, you need a mix of whole spices. This includes:

• ½ cup Catch Cumin Seeds
• ½ cup Coriander Seeds
• 2 tbsp Catch Fennel Seeds
• 2 tbsp Caraway Seeds (shah jeera)
• 6 Cinnamon Sticks
• 2 tbsp Catch Cloves
• 8 Catch Black Cardamoms
• 10 Catch Green Cardamoms
• 1 Whole Nutmeg
• 10 Bay Leaves
• 2 tbsp Catch Ginger Powder
• 2 tbsp Black Peppercorns

Method

1.      Sort and Dry

Spread all the whole spices on a plate and check for any stones, husks or spoiled pieces. Clean them carefully. Sun-dry the spices for 2 to 3 days until they feel crisp and moisture-free. Otherwise, roast each spice separately in a pan on low heat until fragrant. Do not let them brown.

2.      Grind the Spices

Break larger spices like cinnamon into smaller pieces. Add all the dried spices to a clean grinder in batches. Include green and black cardamoms with their husks. Crush the whole nutmeg using a mortar and pestle and add it to the grinder, followed by ginger powder. Grind everything to a smooth, fine powder.

3.      Sift, Cool and Store

Sift the powder to remove any coarse bits. Let it cool completely. Once cool, you can transfer the garam masala spice to a clean, dry glass jar. You should further store the mix in a cool, dark place to preserve its freshness and aroma.

Sprinkle Garam Masala to Make Your Dishes Flavourful

Here are some ways to use garam masala powder:

·       Use in more than just curries

Garam masala isn’t limited to dals and gravies. Add a pinch to marinades, stuffed parathas, dry vegetable dishes or even roasted snacks for a deeper flavour.

·       Pair it with fresh herbs

Adding a touch of garam masala along with fresh coriander or mint leaves can enhance the final flavour without overpowering the dish.

·       Avoid long cooking times after adding

Since garam masala is already made from roasted spices, cooking it for too long can dull its taste. Add it closer to the end or after turning off the flame.

·       Layer it in multi-step dishes

In recipes with multiple cooking stages, try adding a little garam masala at different points. A touch in the marinade and another sprinkle at the end can build complexity.

·       Experiment with different combinations

If you are making garam masala making garam masala spice at home, adjust the blend to suit specific cuisines. For example, add more fennel for Kashmiri dishes or more black pepper for South Indian flavours.

No Time? No Worries. Buy Catch Garam Masala

Homemade blends are special, but some days call for convenience. Whether you are short on time or need a reliable option, Catch Garam Masala is something you can consider. It’s made with quality whole spices, ground to perfection and packed for freshness. You can trust it to bring the same depth and warmth to your meals. Shop now on R-Club!