Did you know the Hindi word 'Garam' which translates to 'Hot', is actually borrowed from Persian! And 'Masala' is basically blend of spices. Garam masala is very personal to every household, depending on the region it can contain an array of spices blended together, it doesn’t necessarily always contains chilli.
I come from North India and this recipe is inspired by mum's garam masala recipe, I have grown up eating in her cooking. I have never seen my mum buying it, she would spend an entire Sunday afternoon (which was her only day off, since she is a teacher), going through each spice to make sure there are no little stones. The dedication, I tell ya!!
Lucky for us, now a days we get much better quality spices and it takes me honestly less than half an hour to prep garam masala for months!
PS: I am pan roasting/toasting the spices, but if you have an oven you can oven roast them as well.
Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes
- Makes: 500grams (0.5 kg)
Ingredients
- 250grams(3 1/2 cups) Whole Coriander Seeds
- 150grams(1 1/4 Cups) Cumin Seeds
- 30grams(1/4 Cup) Black Peppercorns
- 30grams( 1/3 Cup) Cardamom Pods
- 10grams(2 to 3) Cinnamon Sticks (about 8-10 inches)
- 10grams(2 tbsp) Whole Cloves
- 5grams(4 to 5) Dried Bay Leaves
- 5grams(2 to 3) Star Anise
- 10grams(1 tbsp) Ginger Powder
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Steps
- Start by adding all whole spices (except ginger powder) to a large bowl or directly into a pan.
- Turn the heat on and bring to high. Toast the spices on high for about 2-3 minutes or until they become slightly aromatic. Try not to burn them, you are after a slight brown colour.
- Turn the heat off, transfer to a grinder/blender (or use a mortar and pestle if you have one) and grind until you get a coarse to fine powder consistency. (I like it slightly coarse and not too fine.)
- Add the ginger powder to your spice blend and mix everything.
- That is all, transfer to your 'masala dabba' if you have one, or an air tight container. Masala dabba that round metal box you see in the picture, every Indian owns one! Your curry game is going to level up with this I promise!
