Garam Masala

N/A (Spice Blend) Spice Blend

Garam Masala Spice Blend

At a Glance

  • Category Spice Blend

The Forktionary Angle

"The Soul of Indian Cuisine"

Definition

A fragrant blend of ground spices, originating from the Indian subcontinent, used to add warmth and depth to a wide range of savory dishes.

Common Usage Added near end of cooking
Origin Language Hindi ("hot mixture")
Shelf Life (ground) 6-12 months

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Garam Masala are:

Warm Aromatic Earthy Pungent

Chef’s Secret

Toasting whole spices before grinding them for homemade garam masala dramatically enhances their aroma and flavor, making your blend more potent and vibrant.

Best Substitutes

Curry Powder

different profile
Ratio 1:1

Chaat Masala

tangier
Ratio 1:1

Coriander & Cumin Blend

add pinch of cinnamon/clove
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for freshly ground or whole spices to grind yourself for maximum flavor. Store in an airtight container away from light.

Recipes Using Garam Masala

Cuisine 60 Minutes Or Less Pakistani Indian

Bhindi Gosht

A delightful blend of succulent chicken and tender okra, simmered in a rich and flavorful gravy. This Bhindi Gosht recipe is incredibly aromatic and satisfying, perfect served with warm roti or naan. Get ready for a taste of authentic Indian cuisine!

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Taste Mood Course Dinner Party Preparation

Basmati Rice Seasoned With Garam Masala

Elevate your next curry night with this fragrant and flavorful Basmati rice, infused with the warm spices of Garam Masala. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers perfectly cooked, fluffy rice in just 30 minutes, complementing any Indian dish beautifully. A delicious side that's sure to impress!

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Main Dish Preparation Curries Asian

Beef Curry With Spinach Palak Ghost

This incredible Beef Curry with Spinach, inspired by a Hamburg Indian chef, is a flavor explosion you won't believe! The unexpected combination of tender beef and vibrant spinach creates a depth of taste that's simply addictive. Perfect for Indian food lovers, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers restaurant-quality results. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unforgettable dish!

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Asian Pakistani Course Curries

Badam Pasanda

Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of Badam Pasanda, a luxurious Indian chicken curry. This exquisite dish features tender chicken simmered in a velvety sauce of yogurt, cream, and ground almonds, infused with warming spices. Prepare for a taste sensation that's both subtly sweet and delicately spicy – a true culinary masterpiece you'll crave again and again! Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner.

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Chicken Asian Cuisine Preparation

Balti Chicken With Tarka Dhal

Ready in under 30 minutes! This vibrant Balti Chicken with Tarka Dhal recipe is a flavor explosion. The creamy dhal, spiced with a fragrant tarka, complements the rich chicken perfectly. Easy enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough for guests, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve alongside your favorite beef or lamb curry for a truly unforgettable Indian feast!

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Vegan Vegan Pasta Rice And Grains Vegetarian

Baked Kofta Balls In Tomato Sauce

Discover a healthier twist on a classic! This recipe, inspired by the Hare Krishna cookbook "Higher Taste," features delicious baked kofta balls simmered in a rich tomato sauce. We've simplified the process by using high-quality jarred tomato sauce (homemade is always an option!), and baked the kofta for a lighter, less greasy result. Serve these flavorful meatballs over fluffy quinoa for a nutritious and satisfying vegetarian meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

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Preparation Chicken Weeknight Cuisine

Afghani Chicken Tangri Kawabs

Experience the irresistible taste of Afghani Chicken Tangri Kebabs! These incredibly soft and succulent chicken drumsticks are marinated for hours in a creamy, aromatic blend of spices, then baked and grilled to perfection. A delightful treat as part of a larger meal or a satisfying anytime snack. Serve with refreshing raw onion rings and a squeeze of fresh lime for the ultimate flavor explosion! Prep time includes a flavorful 4-hour, 50-minute marination.

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Inexpensive Potatoes Inexpensive Time To Make

Aloo Mutter

Experience the vibrant flavors of India with this Aloo Mutter recipe! A comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender potatoes and sweet peas simmered in a rich and aromatic spice blend. Perfect served with naan, roti, or rice. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just 45 minutes.

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Main Ingredient Side Dishes Low Calorie Asian

Alu Posto

Discover the irresistible flavors of Alu Posto, a classic Bengali dish! This recipe features tender potatoes simmered in a rich, creamy sauce of poppy seeds, spices, and aromatic herbs. A quick and easy weeknight meal, perfect for vegetarians and spice lovers alike.

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Main Ingredient Preparation Indian Time To Make

Authentic Butter Chicken

This incredible butter chicken recipe, passed down from an Indian colleague, is a family favorite! Forget those jars – this homemade version, featuring juicy chicken thighs and caramelized onions, is unbelievably flavorful and surprisingly easy to make. Even my colleague was impressed! Get ready for rich, creamy, and aromatic perfection.

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Preparation 4 Hours Or Less Main Ingredient Dietary

Beef Korma

Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this authentic Beef Korma recipe! Tender beef simmered in a fragrant, spiced sauce with creamy coconut milk and warming spices. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.

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Cuisine Cuisine Main Dish Main Dish Chicken

Balti Chicken Pasanda

Experience the fiery delight of Balti Chicken Pasanda! This authentic recipe, inspired by Northern Pakistani cuisine, delivers a rich and flavorful curry bursting with aromatic spices. Tender chicken simmers in a creamy sauce, perfectly balanced with fragrant ginger, garlic, and warming chilies. Cooked in a traditional Balti pot (or a large skillet), this dish is a culinary adventure you won't forget. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, serve it with naan bread and basmati rice for a truly immersive experience. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Dietary Occasion Wedding Winter

Aloo Dum

This Aloo Dum recipe is a family favorite, passed down through generations! Tender potatoes simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy, it's the perfect side dish for parathas or Indian bread. The creamy texture and aromatic spices will have you licking your fingers – we guarantee it! This easy-to-follow recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in under an hour.

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Main Ingredient Course Broil Vegetarian

Chicken Tikka Masala Vegan Style

Craving Chicken Tikka Masala but living the vegan life? This recipe delivers the rich, creamy, and aromatic flavors you love, completely plant-based! Using Gardein's 'Chicken Scallopini' as a fantastic meat substitute, this dish is surprisingly easy to make and will impress even the most dedicated carnivores. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Asian Chicken Breasts Cuisine Poultry

Spicy Chicken Breast Roast With Stir Fried Vegetables

Impress your taste buds with this quick and easy Spicy Chicken Breast Roast! This recipe is incredibly versatile – use chicken breasts for a speedy weeknight meal or a whole roast chicken for a show-stopping dinner. The perfectly spiced chicken is served atop a vibrant stir-fry of Asian vegetables (recipe included!), but feel free to pair it with rice, potatoes, or your favorite sides. Get ready for a flavor explosion in under an hour!

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Time To Make Low Sodium 30 Minutes Or Less Spicy

Aloo Mutter Indian Potatoes With Peas

This vibrant Aloo Mutter recipe, inspired by the Betty Crocker Indian cookbook, is a delicious and easy-to-make Indian side or main dish. We've boosted the veggie power with chickpeas and cauliflower for a hearty and healthy meal. Get ready for a taste explosion with tender potatoes, sweet peas, and aromatic spices! Each serving offers approximately 85 calories, 2g fat, 420mg sodium, 17g carbs, and 3g protein (as per the original recipe).

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Fish Preparation Cod Main Ingredient

Baked King Fish Cod In Tomato Sauce

Experience the taste of the freshest catch with this incredible Baked King Fish Cod recipe! Inspired by Madhur Jaffrey, this dish captures the vibrant flavors of the sea. Imagine succulent king fish, sourced daily from a trusted vendor, baked to perfection in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce. This recipe is a testament to the joy of fresh ingredients and simple cooking, resulting in a dish that's both elegant and easy to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, prepare to be amazed by the depth of flavor in every bite. Get ready to elevate your seafood game!

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Taste Mood 4 Hours Or Less Comfort Food Leftovers

Annacia's Use It Up Meat Loaf

Transform leftover odds and ends into a delicious and satisfying meatloaf! This recipe is perfect for cleaning out your fridge while creating a flavorful, crowd-pleasing meal. No more food waste – just pure culinary magic! Discover how to cleverly combine your kitchen scraps into a hearty and surprisingly tasty meatloaf.

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