Garam Masala Ingredient: How to Use It in Recipes?

Indian dishes- be it meat or vegetarian is incomplete without the garam masala ingredient. It is a famous ingredient that gives your recipes an exotic aroma and extraordinary taste. People from Northern India usually use the powdered form of garam masala. And in Southern India, they make a paste of the garam masala with water, coconut milk, or vinegar. Now that you have a brief introduction of this super ingredient let us check out everything about the garam masala uses!

What Is Garam Masala?

Now that you know how wonderfully garam masala makes its way to almost all Indian dishes let us check out everything about this!

Garam masala is a mixture of all the spices that are exclusively used in Indian recipes. The word ‘garam’ implies ‘hot,’ and ‘masala’ means ‘spices.’ You will find garam masala to be vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan. It either comes in the form of powder or paste. So, if you intend to buy garam masala from the shop readymade, try to check what the label reads.

But if you know the spices, making garam masala at home is relatively easy and healthier too.

Origin of Garam Masala

The garam masala ingredient is said to originate from North Indian cuisine. It has a special place in the Mughal delicacies.

Even in the Ayurvedic medications, the uses of the garam masala spices are immense. That is because it has warming properties that help in increasing your metabolism.

So, in North India, the areas are cold, and consuming warming spices can be helpful. However, this super ingredient has spread throughout the subcontinent of India and to Iran as well.

What Is Garam Masala Ingredient Made Of?

If you want to buy the garam masala, remember to read the ingredients of the package. Check out if they have the following spices:

• Cinnamon
• Cardamom
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Cloves
• Nutmeg
• Black peppercorns

At times, the garam masala has specific variations. You may find the powder or paste to have bay leaves, dried red chiles, Malabar leaves, tamarind, fenugreek, garlic, ginger, mace, star anise, saffron, or turmeric.

If you buy the garam masala, you may find the presence of these ingredients too!

How to Make Garam Masala Ingredient at Home?

Garam masala ingredients can easily be made at home. You can get the whole spices below and make a powder of it and store it in the jar. You can use a coffee or spice grinder to make the powder.

Authentic Garam Masala Recipe

Here are the following items required to make the garam masala ingredient:

• Coriander seeds – three tablespoons
• Cumin seeds – two tablespoons
• Cardamom seeds – two tablespoons
• Black peppercorns – two tablespoons
• Nutmeg – one teaspoon grated freshly
• Cinnamon stick – one whole
• Whole cloves – one teaspoon

Process to Make Garam Masala:

1. Keep a skillet on the pan and heat it at medium heat. Then toss in the black peppercorns, cardamom, cumin, coriander, and peppercorns together. Roast it for 10 minutes.
2. Keep tossing it with a spatula until it turns brown. You will see the aroma of the spices ooze out from the roasted spices. Allow the spices to cool off.
3. Then, place all the ingredients into the grinder and make a fine powder.
4. Finally, start grating the nutmeg into the powder.
5. Store the powder in the container and keep it from the heat.

What Does Garam Masala Taste Like?

The garam masala ingredient gives your dishes a unique aromatic flavor. It gives your dishes a layer of heat from black pepper, floral notes, sweetness, and warmth.

You will find this to give your curries a fragrance and special taste.

Garam Masala Uses

Do you think the garam masala makes its way only into Indian cuisines? Well, no! The garam masala ingredient is versatile and can fit into several dishes.

Here is the following garam masala uses:

Mayonnaise

Do you find your mayo to be boring? Well, then why not make a twist in your mayo by sprinkling some garam masala over it. You can try using that exotic mayonnaise with deviled eggs, aioli, and sandwiches. You will eventually take away the best chef’s call by trying out this unique twist into your dishes.

Coffee

Do you love having coffee? Then why not try out a unique new taste of coffee by sprinkling some garam masala over it. It will give your coffee a spicy and fresh taste. You will come back to thank us for the exotic aroma in the coffee blend. More so, it has a divine taste too!

Popcorn

Do you think your popcorn options have turned boring? Then why not add some garam masala in the kernels popped. You can forego with the butter completely. That is because the garam masala might not blend well with the butter in the popcorns.

Apple Butter

You can make this apple butter easily with quick steps to follow. And the most vital ingredient in apple butter is garam masala. Once you taste this apple butter recipe, you are sure to remember this all your life.

Broccoli Soup

Broccoli is one of the most nutritious veggies. It counts among the greens and contains loads of valuable nutrients. And you can enjoy the taste and flavor of broccoli and garam masala soup. It is super tasty and extremely healthy.

You require ingredients like broccoli, almonds, maple syrup, crème Fraiche, coconut milk, garam masala, and sea salt. All these give your soup an extraordinary taste. Try to accompany the soup with bread, and it fits well for dinner or lunch too.

Red Lentil Soup

The red lentil soup counts among the Indian exotic dishes. And you can include the garam masala into your lentil soup to give it a classic taste. It is a great seasoning option that gives your nutritious soup a lovely taste.

Afghani Chili

The Afghani chili is a recipe that is made with garbanzo beans and ground beef. So, adding garam masala into this recipe makes it rich and gives it an exotic flavor. Try out this recipe at home, and be sure to enjoy your meal.

Baked Potatoes

Potatoes are everyone’s favorite. It is a nutritious veggie that has several health benefits. But it is best to consume it in the healthiest ways. You can try baking your potatoes with garam masala. Otherwise, you can also try stuffing or seasoning with garam masala. You can try out the baked potatoes in several events. It is usually accompanied by onions, cheese, and many more ingredients. It is indeed a recipe to remember all your life!

Hash Browns

Staying in the United States, you must be familiar with hash browns. It is a great go-to option for breakfast to accompany your pancakes. So, why not try out some variation with garam masala. All you need to do is sprinkle it over your hash browns. You can also pair it up with some crème Fraiche or eggs.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are loaded with nutrients. It has several vitamins, minerals, fiber, and more. So, why not give your sweet potatoes a unique taste with garam masala. Rather than trying out having your plain boring sweet potatoes, try out this unique dish!

Butternut Squash

The butternut squash is a super veggie. You can do so much with this vegetable. And it has a great taste and provides you with loads of nutrients. You can make a roasted butternut squash soup and put garam masala. Some more ingredients you need are shallots, apples, and white wine.

You can blend all these ingredients and make your soup extraordinary. It is easy to make and is extremely delicious.

Green Beans

Greens beans with garam masala make a delicious meal. Rather than having your usual greens beans, add a twist to it. It will indeed stir your tastebuds.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a super vegetable. You can roast the cauliflower with several spices and finally top it up with some garam masala. You might wonder it will not taste that yummy, but we assure you the result is to die for!

Samosas

Samosas are an Indian snack item. It is usually found in the stall restaurants of India and is a perfect snack item. And to make this recipe, garam masala is the main ingredient. You can also look into the YouTube tutorials to check how to make samosas at home.

Chicken Breast

Chicken breasts are always the go-to option when you are thinking about dinner recipes. So, why not try out trying a different way of seasoning your chicken breast piece. All you need to do is add some other seasonings and garam masala. Try to serve it with some steamed or roasted veggies to make your dinner satisfying.

Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken tikka masala is an Indian delicacy. It would help if you slowed cook this recipe, and it indeed serves as a delicious recipe with plain rice. All the spices of the recipe are flavorful and are a lovely recipe. Try pairing up chicken tikka masala with rice or plain bread. It is a super recipe that is a favorite for most people in the United States and worldwide.

Cornish Game Hen

Cornish game hen is a recipe that will wow your guests in no time. It is a cost-effective and unique recipe that is sure to turn to be the favorite for many.

Minced Beef

You can try out the recipe with black-eyed peas and minced beef. It can accompany salads and rice. Once you make this unique recipe, you are sure to leave the family members in complete awe!

Gingerbread Cookies

The gingerbread cookies are everyone’s favorite. But you can add in the garam masala and make it a dessert. It will not interfere with the natural taste of the recipe, but it will complement the flavors. So, try out these gingerbread cookies, and you are sure to fall in love with the garam masala ingredient.

Cupcakes

Wondering how garam masala ingredient has made it to cupcakes? Well, the garam masala uses are immense. The flavor of garam masala will complement the sweet flavor of cupcakes. All you need to do is add some cheese frosting to give your cupcakes a different dimension.

Benefits of Garam Masala

Garam masala can balance the flavors of your dishes. Once you get the taste of garam masala, you are sure to replace several seasonings. It does have potential benefits. You can improve your digestion by consuming garam masala. Moreover, it does have warming properties. So, it was in great use in Ayurvedic medicine to boost up the metabolism. More so, its warming properties can warm your body.

If you stay in cold places, you can try consuming garam masala to boost heat and even stir your tastebuds.

How to Store Garam Masala?

Now that you know the garam masala ingredient is so versatile, you are sure to buy this ingredient. But there are a few tricks to keep the garam masala well and have a long shelf-life.

All you need to do is store the garam masala in a dark and cool place. Always remember to store the garam masala in an airtight container.

When you powder the garam masala, it might lose out on its aroma and flavor quickly. It is best to use it up quickly and make sure you don’t store it for months.

You can always keep the whole spices in your house and make it whenever you wish to. Keep an aim to use the garam masala only for a few days.

Final Thoughts

The garam masala is a super ingredient that makes its way to several dishes. It is an Indian spice mix that has gained popularity throughout the world.

It comprises several spices like cardamom, cloves, bay leaves, cumin, coriander, nutmeg, and more. Some garam masalas available in the market do have other variations. But you can always try making garam masala at home.

Also, with the various garam masala uses, try using this super ingredient. And let us know how the garam masala ingredient makes your dishes super delicious.