Categorized:

  • Healthy
  • Sides & Sauces

Tagged:

  • bay leaves
  • cardamom
  • cinnamon
  • cloves
  • coriander
  • cumin
  • fennel seeds
  • nutmeg
  • pepper
  • red pepper flakes
Garam masala spice blend in a glass jar set over a plate with whole spices next to it. - 1

Garam Masala

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 Tbsp coriander seeds
  • 2 Tbsp cumin seeds
  • 1 Tbsp black peppercorn
  • 2 tsp fennel seeds
  • 1 1/2 tsp whole cloves
  • 1 tsp green cardamom seeds*
  • 2 (2-inch each) cinnamon sticks, roughly broken with a meat mallet
  • 4 bay leaves, roughly broken
  • 1/2 piece of a whole nutmeg, roughly broken with a meat mallet
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, or 1 dried red chili pepper stem removed, roughly broken (optional for spicy heat)

Instructions

  • Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium heat.
  • Add spices to skillet and saute 1 - 2 minutes until toasted and fragrant.
  • Transfer to a bowl and let cool.
  • Pour spices into a spice grinder . Work in two batches adding half at a time if your grinder is small.
  • Pulse until finely ground. Stop and stir mixture or shake grinder occasionally to ensure even grinding.
  • Store in an airtight container . Preferably use within 6 months.

Notes

  • *To remove seeds from the pod/husk just smash with the flat side of a bigger knife - similar to smashing a garlic clove to remove the skin. The seeds should fall out easily upon smashing.
  • You can also add 1 star anise to the recipe if you can find them. They’re just a little harder to come by.

Pre-Ground Spices

  • 2 Tbsp ground coriander
  • 2 Tbsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp ground cardamom
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tsp ground fennel seed (or whole fennel seeds that have been finely crushed with a meat mallet)
  • 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, or to taste (optional)

Copyright 2026 Cooking Classy