Garam masala

गरम मसाला / garam masala

Flavor and role

A North Indian spice blend of toasted and ground cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, pepper, cumin, coriander seeds and more. It is warm and deep rather than hot, and is usually added at the end of cooking to keep its aroma.

Typical dishes and uses

Butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, biryani, dal, samosas. In this book: butter chicken and chicken biryani.

Substitutes

1 tsp garam masala = ½ tsp ground cumin + ¼ tsp ground coriander + a pinch each of cinnamon, cloves and pepper. Curry powder can replace it but adds a turmeric flavour.

Storage

In an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Blends are best used within 6 months; home-toasted and ground blends are most fragrant for 1-2 months.

Main countries

India · Pakistan

Used in this book

Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)Chicken BiryaniBunny Chow (Durban Chicken Curry in a Loaf)Chana MasalaChicken KarahiChicken Tikka MasalaPalak Paneer (Spinach with Indian Cheese)Rogan JoshAloo SamosaCheesy Keema Mini Bunny RollsChicken Tikka Burrito with Mint RaitaTandoor-Style Murgh MakhaniButter Chicken RigatoniButter Chicken Cheese ToastPindi CholeChana Masala ShakshukaChana Masala Cheese ToastieHyderabadi Chicken Dum BiryaniChicken Biryani BurritoBiryani Chicken Rice BowlDesi Ghee Chicken Karahi with Charcoal SmokeChicken Karahi TacosKarahi Chicken Cheese Naan MeltCharcoal-Skewered Chicken Tikka MasalaChicken Tikka Masala QuesadillasChicken Tikka Masala Cheesy Baked RiceDhaba-Style Double Tadka Dal with Coal SmokeEgusi Chicken Korma (Nigerian x North Indian)Butter Chicken EnchiladasIndian Tadka Hummus with Curry-Leaf GheeSlow-Simmered European-Style Beef CurryMasala Kartoffelpuffer with Mint Raita (German x Indian)Khichdi-Style Koshari with Ghee TadkaTandoori Chicken Momo with Mint YoghurtSeared Paneer Palak with Garlic TadkaPalak Paneer Green ShakshukaPalak Paneer Cheese Melt ToastKeema Pastel de Choclo (Indian-Spiced Beef under a Sweet Corn Crust)Keema Pastitsio with Garam Masala BéchamelSlow-Braised Lamb Shank Rogan JoshRogan Josh Keema Loaded FriesMasala Rösti with Mint-Yoghurt ChutneyHalwai-Style Punjabi Samosas with Two ChutneysSamosa ToastieKeema Shepherd's Pie with Bombay MashMasala Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Mint RaitaSaag Feta Phyllo SamosasSaag Aloo Stamppot with Tadka and Paneer

Updated 2026-10-10