Garam Masala

Punjabi Garam Masala Video by Tarla Dalal

1. Like Garam Masala, Homemade Garma Masala, then see our other Homemade spice mix recipes. From readymade soups and pastes to chutneys and dry spice mixes, nowadays in this fast pacing life, everything is easily available in stores. But, there are many people who still prefer preparing their own Indian spice-mix at homes like the garam masala, chole masala, chaat masala etc. Our website does have all these basic masala recipes that will help you make lip-smacking food at home:
   • Masala milk powder
   • Sambar masala
   • Chai ka masala
   • Homemade Dabeli masala powder
   • Homemade tandoori masala powder

1. Recipe notes for Garam Masala. There is no single/standardized garam masala recipe. The ingredients differ according to the region based on locally available products as well as individuals preference. The garam masala recipe given below has some popular ingredients that you will see on a packet of readymade garam masala. Apart from that, garam masala variations may consist of turmeric, saffron, mustard seeds, mace, star anise, fenugreek or dried red chillies. Instead of dry roasting you can even keep the whole spices under sunlight and then grind them.

1. For preparing Garam masala at home, first take all the spices as per the given measurements and check for stones, husks, hidden mold and fungi.
   
2. For roasting the whole spices for garam masala, in a broad non-stick pan, put the cumin seeds. Make sure the pan is moisture-free i.e dry when you add the ingredients.
   
3. Add the cardamom. Always make use of fresh spices to get maximum flavours and aroma.
   
4. Also, add black peppercorns. They provide the necessary heat to the garam masala.
   
5. Add the coriander (dhania) seeds. Many people even slow-roast each individual spice and then grind them, also some make use of very little oil while roasting.
   
6. Add the fennel seeds (saunf).
   
7. Add the cloves (laung / lavang).
   
8. Add the cinnamon sticks. If you have long pieces of cinnamon stick then break them into pieces & then add to the pan.
   
9. Add the bayleaves (tejpatta). Same with bay leaves, if they are huge then tear them with your hands and then add to the pan.
   
10. Add the caraway seeds (shahjeera)
    
11. Add the nutmeg (jaiphal) powder. Freshly grated nutmeg also works well for the garam masala recipe.
12. Combine all the ingredients and dry roast on a medium flame for 2 to 3 minutes, while stirring continuously. You will see the spices have darkened slightly and give out a toasty aroma.
    
13. Keep aside to cool completely. You can make the garam masala without roasting the spices as well but, roasting absorbs all the extra moisture, increasing the shelf life of the garam masala.
    
14. Transfer the roasted spices to a mixer jar. If not cooled completely, then you will have lumps in your ground masala.
    
15. Grind in a mixer to a smooth fine powder.
    
16. Transfer the powder into a bowl.
    
17. Add the ginger powder and mix well.
    
18. Sieve the Homemade Garam masala well and discard the left over coarse powder.
    
19. Store the garam masala in an air-tight container.
20. Use as required. Garam masala brings out the flavor from most Indian dishes so, it is widely used in making recipes across various courses like appetizers, subji, dal, etc.