Homemade Garam Masala Seasoning Recipe | Vegan in the Freezer (2024)

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Garam Masala Seasoning- Ground coriander, ginger, cardamom, and turmeric are just a few of the spices combined to make this garam masala seasoning. It's a simple yet flavorful mixture of spices that will take even the most basic dishes to a new mouthwatering level! Garam masala spice blend is typically a very fragrant and aromatic seasoning and has a complex flavor with warm, earthy, and slightly sweet notes.

Table of Contents

What Is Garam Masala?

Masala spice mix will go a long ways in adding flavors to your dishes. Its roots are in Northern India and Southern Asia, and it has a very intense and spicy flavor. There are variations of the mixture, and this is a simple one that I came up with that does not require you to roast and grind seeds. You probably already have most of the ground spices in your cupboard, if not all of them. Just measure out, mix, and keep in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. You will find yourself using this seasoning mixture over and over again.

I dream of having this nice little area in my kitchen where all my herbs and spices are alphabetically ordered. All of my spices would be in pretty little glass jars in a gorgeous corner of my kitchen so that I could see the colors of the mixtures, and of course, it would be spotless!

Homemade Garam Masala Seasoning Recipe | Vegan in the Freezer (1)

Spices and herbs are essential components of recipes. Even though some ingredients call for measurements of only ¼ or ½ teaspoon, you shouldn't leave them out. Minor flavor nuances are significant to the overall quality of a dish. When all of the ingredients are combined, your meal will taste wonderful. One of the recipes I have on the blog that does use garam masala is Hearty Chickpea and Red Lentils. You just might want to give that recipe a try too.

Why You'll Love This Garam Masala Recipe

Flavorful- This spice blend is so good and will add a lot of depth to your recipes.

Better Than Store Bought- You will be surprised at how much better this garam masala spice blend tastes than the store-bought versions.

Simple Ingredients- You probably already have most of the spices to make this garam masala recipe in your pantry.

Easy To Make- This garam masala recipe is easy to make with just a few simple steps.

Budget-Friendly- Making your spice blends at home is a great way to save money. Make a big batch and keep it on hand to use in a variety of recipes.

Equipment Needed To Make Garam Masala

  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • Spoon For Stirring
  • Jar With Tight Fitting Lid
  • Measuring Spoons

Ingredients For Garam Masala Seasoning

Homemade Garam Masala Seasoning Recipe | Vegan in the Freezer (2)
  • Ground Cumin
  • Ground Coriander
  • Ground Cardamon
  • Ground Black Pepper
  • Ground Cinnamon
  • Ground Ginger
  • Ground Nutmeg
  • Ground Cloves
  • Ground Turmeric

How To Make Garam Masala At Home

Making garam masala at home is incredibly simple. Measure out all ingredients into a small mixing bowl and stir well to combine. Store your own garam masala in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and enjoy as desired. It's as simple as that!

What to Serve/Pair With Masala Spice Mix

Garam masala is a flavorful seasoning that you can use in a variety of ways. Some popular uses include:

  • Add it to eggs for a tasty twist on breakfast
  • Sprinkle over cooked vegetables
  • Add to soups and stews
  • Use as a rub for tofu or tempeh
  • Mix into sauces and dressings
  • Add to curries and other Indian-inspired dishes
  • Pair it with rice or vegan-friendly naan bread

Popular Substitutions & Additions

There are a few ways you can change up this recipe to suit your needs. Here are some popular substitutions and additions:

  • Add more or less of any individual spice to adjust the flavor to your liking.
  • Replace ground black pepper with freshly cracked black pepper for a more intense flavor.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
  • Try other ground spices such as fennel, aniseed, or cayenne pepper.
  • Add fresh herbs such as cilantro or mint for a bright flavor.

How To Reheat & Store Vegan Homemade Garam Masala

What Is The Best Way To Store Garam Masala?

The best way to store it is in a jar with a tight-fitting lid or airtight container in a cool, dark place. This will help the spices retain their flavor and prevent them from going stale.

How Long Will Garam Masala Last In The Fridge?

When stored properly, garam masala will last in the fridge for up to 6 months.

Can I Freeze Garam Masala?

Yes, you can freeze garam masala for up to 1 year. Store in a freezer-safe container or bag and thaw in the fridge when ready to use.

How To Reheat Garam Masala?

Garam masala can be reheated in several ways. You can gently heat it in a pan over low heat or in the microwave, but the best way to reheat it is by adding it to whatever dish you're preparing.

Homemade Garam Masala Seasoning FAQs

Is Garam Masala Vegan?

Yes, garam masala is vegan. This spice blend is made with a combination of ground spices and contains no animal products.

How Do You Pronounce Garam Masala?

The word garam masala is pronounced "gah-rahm mah-sah-lah."

What Is The Difference Between Garam Masala And Curry Powder?

Garam masala and curry powder are two very different seasonings. Garam masala is a blend of ground spices typically used in Indian cuisine, while curry powder is a blend of ground spices popular in British and south Asian cuisine. Curry powder often contains turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, and pepper, while garam masala typically contains cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, cumin, and coriander.

Is Garam Masala Hot?

Garam masala is not hot, but it has a bit of heat from the black pepper and other spices used in the blend. You can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes or other ground chili peppers if you want more heat.

How Much Garam Masala Should I Use?

The amount of garam masala you should use depends on your taste. Start with a small amount and add more as desired. You can always add more, but you can't take it away once it's added, so start small and add more as needed.

📋 Recipe

Garam Masala Blend

Ligia Lugo

A blend of ground spices with a complex and exciting flavor profile containing warm, earthy, and sweet notes will take even the most basic dish to a new level!

4.87 from 22 votes

Print Pin Recipe Save

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course How-To's

Cuisine Spices

Servings 12 Ounces

Calories 4 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 ½ teaspoon ground cardamon
  • 1 ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric

Instructions

  • Measure all of the ingredients into a small bowl and mix.

    Homemade Garam Masala Seasoning Recipe | Vegan in the Freezer (5)

  • Store in a jar with a tight fitting lid.

    Homemade Garam Masala Seasoning Recipe | Vegan in the Freezer (6)

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1teaspoonCalories: 4kcalSodium: 1mgPotassium: 12mgVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 0.5mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Homemade Garam Masala Seasoning Recipe | Vegan in the Freezer (2024)

FAQs

Can you freeze garam masala? ›

Traditionally this spice blend is finely ground but you can also use the coarse spice blend in your cooking. Store the sifted garam masala in an airtight glass jar away from direct sunlight. You can also refrigerate or freeze the garam masala for longer freshness.

How long does homemade garam masala last? ›

Store the garam masala in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place (such as a pantry or spice cabinet) for up to six months.

Does garam masala go bad? ›

The aroma of masala found in powdered form evaporates if left in open and exposed to air for long. As a general rule, dry herbs remain fresh for about 4 years. If you keep garam masala for long, it may not taste bad (and will not cause any harm to eat), but it will lose the freshness and flavour.

What is the difference between masala and garam masala? ›

It's at once utterly confusing and incredibly simple. Masala means mixture of spices. So, a mixture of warming spices roasted and then ground down to a fine powder is a Garam Masala. A mixture of spices that are slightly tart and perfect paired with chickpeas roasted and ground down is a Chana Masala.

How long does masala last in the freezer? ›

Place the tray in the freezer for 3-4 hours or until frozen solid. Pop them out and place them into a zip-top bag and use as needed. You can store fresh masala in the fridge for up to 3 weeks or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Do spices last longer in the freezer? ›

Identify Cool, Dry Storage Space

"Spices will lose their flavor and potency if you keep them in sunny, hot corners of your kitchen, like next to the stove," says Scommegna. "Some folks store extra spices in the freezer, but this exposes them to a lot of humidity, which is not ideal."

How do you preserve garam masala? ›

What is the best way to store garam masala? It is best to store it in glass air tight containers for best shelf life.

How do you preserve homemade masala powder? ›

Easy Storing Tips For Indian Masalas For A Long Time
  1. Choose The Right Container. The choice of container is crucial for storing masala powders. ...
  2. Clean And Dry The Container. ...
  3. Roast And Cool The Spices. ...
  4. Store Spices In The Freezer. ...
  5. Store In A Cool Place.
Jan 19, 2024

Why not to cook garam masala? ›

Heating on high will only burn your spice, and you will be left with the burnt smelling masala. Add the garam masala in the end when it comes to putting your spice mix in your food preparation. You can, of course, experiment with the recipe and try adding it at other stages.

How do you know if garam masala is bad? ›

Another easy way to find out if your spices are good is by giving them a good “sniff” taste. If you smell something pungent and distinct or even notice any fading in the spice color, it is a good enough indication that your spices have gone bad.

What are the disadvantages of eating garam masala? ›

Garam masala may cause some side effects, when an ingredient like pepper is added in large quantity. In some people, it may cause itching of the skin, while in others, it may cause rashes. There are cases when there is burning sensation in the mouth. In some people, garam masala leads to diarrhoea and vomiting.

What happens if you eat too much garam masala? ›

As everybody knows garam masala is mostly beneficial but sometimes it can also cause harm. The excessive and continuous consumption of garam masala may lead to problems such as piles, heartburn, acidity, and stomach burn.

Which is better curry powder or garam masala? ›

Garam masala tends to have a stronger, sharper and more complex flavor based on the types of spices that are traditionally part of this blend. Curry powder is traditionally made with more mild spices. Garam masala generally does not include turmeric but turmeric tends to be a primary ingredient in curry powder.

Is tikka masala the same as garam masala? ›

Tikka masala is pieces of meat or chicken marinated with spices, whereas garam masala is the term used for 'hot spices' that are not spicy but can keep the body warm. Garam masala powders may contain chilli and peppers, although they can be aromatic but are not spicy.

How do you store garam masala for a long time? ›

Always keep your stash inside a cupboard, away from gas stove and direct sunlight. You can also store your masalas inside a dark coloured jar to avoid easy penetration of heat. Don't refrigerate lose masalas with their plastic packaging. Fridge often alters the natural flavour and aroma of the spices.

How do you store garam masala? ›

Garam masala should be kept in a cool, dark place in an airtight container. It is best to use ground garam masala as soon as possible because it loses its power quite rapidly. Although it won't spoil, you should utilise it within a few weeks, though you can use it for up to six months.

How do you store garam masala powder? ›

So to make it easy, it is better to use air-tight opaque jars like glass, metal, mason jars. Choose an ideal place to store: The place where you store the masalas is also very important as the main aim is to preserve them for longer we don't want them to get spoiled because so easily wasting all our time and energy.

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