This seasoning is quintessential in Indian and Pakistani cuisine. And when it’s made from scratch, it is incredible.
Homemade curry powder and Jamaican curry powder both add a fresh, distinct flavor to incredible dishes such as Chicken Curry and Caribbean Shrimp Curry. But, when you’re cooking authentic Indian cuisine, it doesn’t get much better than garam masala which is made from scratch.
How To Make Homemade Garam Masala
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The Ingredients You Will Need
Most of the spices and aromatics needed for garam masala can be found in the gourmet spice section of many well-stocked supermarkets. Or, you can go to your local Indian market, or order online.
Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand:
Coriander seeds – Available in most supermarkets, specialty food markets, or online.
Cumin seeds – Available in most supermarkets, or online.
Green cardamom pods – Available in some supermarkets, specialty food markets, or online.
Whole cloves – Available in most supermarkets.
Black peppercorns – Found in most supermarkets.
Cinnamon sticks – Available in most supermarkets. You can find cinnamon sticks most commonly used in Indian cuisine (called Ceylon) at Indian markets.
Bay leaves – Found in most supermarkets. You can find Indian bay leaves at Indian markets.
Star anise – Available in some supermarkets, specialty food markets, or online.
Indian and Curry Recipes to Try at Home
Garam masala and curry add an amazing depth of flavor to the following classic dishes. They are fun to prepare and always a huge hit.
Chicken Korma
Authentic Curry Chicken
Chicken Tikka Masala
Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Carrot and Raisin Salad with Curry
Curry Chicken Salad
Grilled Curry Chicken Wings
Jamaican Shrimp Curry
Curry Turkey Burgers with Pineapple
EXPERT TIP: You may need to grind the roasted spices in a couple of batches. It also may be necessary to snap the cinnamon sticks in half. If your bay leaves are large, you may need to cut them in half before toasting.
There are so many dishes that are made even better with homemade garam masala.
It has a shelf life of months. And once you make it from scratch, you’ll never go with store-bought again!
Chicken Korma is a heavenly dish and is perfect with this classic spice.
Ready to make the best spice this side of Dehli, India?
Go for it! And when you do, be sure to take a photo of it, post it on Instagram, and tag @HowToFeedaLoon and hashtag #HowToFeedaLoon!
Homemade Garam Masala
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet
- spice grinder we use an old coffee grinder
Ingredients
- ¼ cup green cardamom pods
- 3 bay leaves
- 3 whole star anise optional
- 5 cinnamon sticks
- 2 tbsp whole cloves
- 1 tbsp black peppercorns
- ½ cup coriander seeds
- ¼ cup cumin seeds
- 1 tbsp fennel seeds
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cardamom, bay leaves, star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and black peppercorns. Roast until very aromatic and slightly toasted, about 5 minutes. Stirring occasionally. Transfer to a large platter.¼ cup green cardamom pods, 3 bay leaves, 3 whole star anise, 5 cinnamon sticks, 2 tbsp whole cloves, 1 tbsp black peppercorns
- Add the coriander seeds to the same skillet over medium heat and roast until aromatic and slightly toasted, about 3 minutes. Transfer to the platter.½ cup coriander seeds
- Add the cumin seeds and fennel seeds to the same skillet over medium heat and roast until aromatic and slightly toasted, about 2 minutes. Transfer to the platter.¼ cup cumin seeds, 1 tbsp fennel seeds
- Before transferring the spices to your spice grinder, you may need to cut the bay leaves in half and snap the cinnamon sticks in half. Use a large spoon to transfer the toasted spices and aromatics to a spice grinder (this may need to be done in 2 batches). Grind for about 1 minute. Check for any pieces that didn't get ground. Grind again. Discard any large pieces (cinnamon). Transfer to a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Store in a cool place.
