Garam Masala Recipe
Overview
Garam Masala is a quintessential spice blend in Indian cuisine, known for its aromatic and warming qualities. This homemade version allows you to customize the intensity and flavors, ensuring a perfect match for your dishes.
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Recipe Yield: 2/3 cup
- Recipe Category: Asian
- Keywords: Indian, Vegan, Savory, < 30 Mins, Oven
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Garam Masala:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1/3 | Green cardamom pods |
| 5 | Cinnamon sticks |
| 1/4 | Whole cloves |
| 2 | Black peppercorns |
| 2 | Cumin seeds |
| 1 | Nutmeg |
| 1/2 | Coriander seeds |
Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
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Prepare Cardamom Pods: Place the green cardamom pods in a spice grinder or coffee mill. Pulse lightly to break them open.
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Remove Husks: Sift out the husks, discarding them along with any stray seeds inside.
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Prepare Spices: Spread the cardamom seeds, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, black peppercorns, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds on a baking sheet.
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Roast Spices: Roast the spices in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. Stir once or twice during roasting to ensure even cooking. The spices should become fragrant and slightly darker, but be careful not to burn them.
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Cool and Grind: Allow the roasted spices to cool completely. Once cooled, grind them in a spice grinder or spice mill until you achieve a fine powder.
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Add Nutmeg: Grate the nutmeg and add it to the ground spice mixture. Stir well to combine evenly.
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Store: Transfer your homemade Garam Masala to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place until needed, for up to three months.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 168.7
- Total Fat: 10.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 108mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 29.4g
- Dietary Fiber: 15.7g
- Sugars: 1.6g
- Protein: 3.9g
Tips for Perfect Garam Masala
- Quality of Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality spices for the best flavor.
- Roasting: Be vigilant while roasting; the spices should release their aroma without burning.
- Storage: Keep your Garam Masala in an airtight container away from heat and sunlight to preserve its flavor potency.
Serving Suggestions
Garam Masala adds depth and warmth to a variety of dishes. Here are some delicious ways to use it:
- Curries: Sprinkle Garam Masala into curries during cooking for an authentic flavor boost.
- Rice Dishes: Stir into rice dishes or pilafs for a fragrant and aromatic side dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss with roasted vegetables before serving to add complexity.
- Marinades: Include in marinades for meats or tofu before grilling or baking.
Why Make Your Own Garam Masala?
Making your own spice blends like Garam Masala allows you to control the ingredients and tailor the flavors to your liking. Plus, the freshness of homemade spices can elevate your cooking to a new level, ensuring every dish bursts with authentic taste and aroma.
Conclusion
With this homemade Garam Masala recipe, you’re not just creating a spice blend; you’re adding a piece of culinary artistry to your kitchen. Enjoy the process of toasting and grinding spices, and revel in the rich, aromatic results that will transform your everyday meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.
