Garam masala is a unique blend of different whole spices and widely used in Indian cooking to enhance the flavors of any dish. It can be easily homemade with whole spices from your pantry.

What is Garam Masala?

The word ‘garam’ means hot and masala means a mixture of spices, so garam masala is basically a blend of whole spices that are considered to be used for the heating of the body in Ayurveda.

The main benefit of making your own masala powder at home is you can prevent the spices from food adulteration. I make garam masala powder once in a year and use it whenever required.

Basic Ingredients for garam masala:

The basic ingredients to make homemade garam masala are listed below.

1. Firstly, – Star Anise is known as Chakri Phool in Hindi, a very common spice with numerous health benefits. Star anise is a healing spice with certain antifungal, antibacterial and antioxidants properties. (Not in the pics).

2. The second ingredient of our garam masala is Black cardamom known as Moti Elaichi in Hindi. It’s a rich source of iron, potassium, manganese, and copper. Black cardamom is used as an antiseptic and diuretic spice.

3. The third main component is Green cardamom or Hari Elaichi in Hindi is an ancient spice popularly used in deserts. It has certain medicinal properties and helps in indigestion and other stomach-related ailments.

4. Fourth in the series is Nutmeg known as Jaiphal in Hindi, used in soups, sauces, and baking. Although it’s used in small quantities in garam masala but makes a strong place due to its flavor.

5. Black peppercorn or Kali Mirch in Hindi. Black pepper is one of the most interesting gifts to mankind from nature. It is known in Ayurveda to keep away disease from you. One main thing to be remembered in the case of black pepper is it should not be stored in powdered form or else it will become harmful. Always use it in a freshly cracked or powdered form.

6. Bay leaves known as Tejpata in Hindi is a popular spice with a rich source of folic acid, Vitamin A and C. It helps in appetite stimulation, diuretic problems, and stomach ulcers. This noble spice also contains minerals as well.

7. Cinnamon sticks or Dalchini in Hindi, a spice that tastes awesome is a major ingredient of Garam masala. It helps in regulating blood sugar and cholesterol level. A good source of iron, calcium, and fiber, loved by everyone for its flavor.

8. Dried ginger a well-known spice or culinary help in many digestive ailments, an ancient Ayurvedic medicine for cold and cough and also helps in the smooth functioning of the heart.

9. Cumin seeds are a well-known spice yielded in all over India. It is used in every kitchen to temper curries. Normally cumin is if two types, black cumin, and white cumin seeds. It’s my all-time favorite spice with numerous health benefits. It helps in digestive disorders, increases hunger and beneficial for skin diseases.

10. Cloves are used in mouth freshener, in spices and Paan (a sweet preparation of betel leaf with other aromatic spices) and readily used in culinary. It is gifted with medicinal properties. Its oil contains eugenol which is used to relieve toothache. As a popular ingredient of Garam Masala, it also helps in secretion of digestive juices thus good for health.

How to make garam masala at home?

Once you have collected all the whole pieces, dry roast them one by one in a pan or skillet on low heat, just to remove any moisture. After that, grind the bigger pieces like nutmeg, etc. in pestle and mortar.

Later grind everything together, sieve the garam masala and again grind the leftovers.

Storage and uses:

Store the garam masala powder in an airtight jar and it can be used for almost a year. Use it in all of the Indian curries, gravies, pulavs, and biryanis.

Looking for more such masala recipes to get some ideas for your own homemade stocks? Do not miss my Sambhar Powder and Rasam Powder and the best one’s Vangi Bath Powder

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