Garam Masala: what is it, what does it taste like and what do you use it for?

indiaase bloemkool soep met garam masala en gegarneerd met koriander

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Garam Masala is one of the best-known spice blends from Indian cuisine. With its warm, aromatic flavor, this spice mix immediately adds more depth to curries, stews, roasted vegetables and soups. Although the name may sound exotic, Garam Masala is surprisingly versatile and easy to use.

At Natural Spices we believe that with the right herbs and spices you can cook healthier and tastier. That's why today we dive into the world of Garam Masala: what it exactly is, where it comes from and how to use it.

What is Garam Masala?

Garam Masala is a traditional Indian spice mix made from a combination of fragrant spices. The exact composition varies by region and family, but common ingredients are:

Cumin
Coriander
Cardamom
Cinnamon
Cloves
Black pepper
Nutmeg

The spices are ground and combined into a rich, aromatic blend that gives dishes more warmth and complexity.

Where does Garam Masala come from?

The word masala comes from Hindi and literally means spice mix. Garam Masala originates from Indian cuisine and is widely used in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal.

The name garam means warm. This does not so much refer to spiciness, but to the warming properties that these spices are believed to have according to Ayurvedic tradition.

Do not confuse Garam Masala with other spice mixes such as tikka masala or Hindustani masala. Those often contain different ingredients, including turmeric, and therefore have a very distinct taste and color.

What does Garam Masala taste like?

Garam Masala has a warm, full and aromatic flavor. You taste notes of cinnamon, cardamom, cumin and cloves, complemented by a subtle pepperiness. The mix is usually not hot, but rather rich and spicy.

A spoonful of Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt pairs excellently with dishes that contain Garam Masala. The fresh creaminess forms a nice contrast to the deep spice flavors.

What do you use Garam Masala for?

Garam Masala is surprisingly versatile and fits into many different dishes. Use the spice mix, for example, in:

Indian curries with chicken, beef or chickpeas
Dahl and other lentil dishes
Roasted cauliflower or pumpkin
Soups and stews
Marinades for chicken or lamb
Tomato sauces
Yogurt dips and dressings

Preferably add Garam Masala only towards the end of cooking. This preserves the aroma and flavor of the spices optimally.

Garam Masala and Ayurveda

Within the Ayurvedic tradition, warming spices such as cumin, cinnamon and cardamom have been used for centuries. Garam Masala is valued there for its aromatic character and the balance it brings to dishes. Scientific evidence for specific health claims is limited, so the spice mix is mainly appreciated for its taste and culinary versatility.

Make your own Garam Masala

Want to make Garam Masala yourself? With individual herbs and spices you can easily create your own blend.

Ingredients

2 tbsp cumin seeds
2 tbsp coriander
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tbsp cardamom
1 tbsp cloves
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp ground nutmeg

Grind the whole spices finely and mix everything well together. Store the spice mix in a sealed glass jar in a dark, dry place.

Recipe: Indian cauliflower soup with Garam Masala

This creamy cauliflower soup gains extra depth thanks to Garam Masala and turmeric.

Ingredients

600 grams cauliflower
1 liter vegetable broth
1 onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp turmeric
1 tbsp garam masala
0.5 tbsp curry powder
Salt
Pepper
Olive oil
A handful of sliced almonds

Method

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pan and sauté the onion for about five minutes until translucent. Then add the turmeric, curry powder and Garam Masala and fry briefly.

Cut the cauliflower into florets and add them along with the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil and then let simmer gently for about 25 minutes.

Puree the soup with an immersion blender until smooth and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with roasted sliced almonds for extra bite.

Prefer a quick meal?

Don't have time to create a spice mix yourself? With our curry mixes you can put a flavorful meal on the table in no time. The Hurry Curry mix is a versatile spice blend for a variety of curry dishes and with the Hurry Chicken Curry BIO mix you can easily prepare a delicious chicken curry for the whole family.

Frequently asked questions

1. Is Garam Masala spicy?

No. Garam Masala is mainly warm and aromatic in flavor and usually contains little or no chili pepper.

2. What is the difference between Garam Masala and curry powder?

Curry powder often contains turmeric and therefore has a yellow color. Garam Masala usually does not contain turmeric and has a warmer, deeper flavor.