Recipes Using Garam Masala (2024)

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If you're a fan of Indian cuisine, you've likely encountered the aromatic spice mix called garam masala. This enchanting blend of warm and floral spices is the secret behind the unforgettable flavors of many Indian dishes. Here's the ultimate collection of 23 Indian Recipes Using Garam Masala. Also includes a quick 5-minute homemade garam masala recipe.

Jump to:
  • What is Garam Masala
  • Recipes Using Garam Masala
  • Create Your Homemade Garam Masala
  • Frequently Asked Questions

What is Garam Masala

Garam masala is a quintessential spice blend used in Indian cooking. The name "garam masala" translates to "warm spice". It is a warming spice mix that combines a harmonious blend of aromatic spices, each contributing its unique flavor profile.

These spices are typically dry-toasted and then ground to a powder, creating a balanced, fragrant, and deeply flavorful blend.

Garam Masala Recipe: Here you can find the detailed recipe for garam masala, and some common garam masala substitutes.

Recipes Using Garam Masala

Get ready to spice up your kitchen with these aromatic and flavor-packed recipes. They're easy to make and taste better than any takeout, thanks to the flavor-packed spices used:

1. Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori Chicken Recipe

An easy Tandoori Chicken Recipe with chicken marinated in an authentic yogurt-spice blend is baked until juicy and crisp in air fryer, oven, Instant Pot or outdoor grill.

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2. Paneer Tikka

Paneer Tikka- Air fryer| Oven| Grill

This Paneer Tikka recipe is smokey and spicy with a zingy finish prepared in the Air Fryer, Oven or Grill served as an appetizer or meal.

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3. Chicken Biryani

Instant Pot Chicken Biryani

This Instant Pot Chicken Biryani isa simplified, one-pot Indian meal, with tender chicken and fluffy basmati rice steam cooked with aromatic spices, caramelized onion and saffron.

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4. Chana Masala

Chana Masala

An easy and authentic Instant Pot recipe for a popular Indian chickpeas curry called Chana Masala, using dry or canned chickpeas. Enjoy it with cumin rice or naan.

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5. Tandoori Fish Tikka

Tandoori Fish Tikka

Tender fish marinated in a classic Indian tandoori masala and crisped to perfection in an air fryeror oven. Enjoy this low-carb dish with a side of cilantro chutney!

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6. Samosa

Sharing my fail-proof samosa recipe with step-by-step instructions on the dough, filling and fold in the air fryer, oven or deep-fried.

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7. Chicken Seekh Kebab

Chicken Seekh Kebab (Kabab)

Chicken Seekh Kebab, or kabab, are flavorful ground meat croquettes, seasoned with warm Indian spices, then grilled in an air fryer or oven.

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8. Dal Tadka

Dal Tadka | Dal Fry

Easy Instant pot recipe for a hearty and delicious Dal Tadka, or Dal Fry, with the option to make rice in the same pot. Ready in a little over 30 minutes!

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9. Chicken Tikka Masala

Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala isan easy one-pot pressure cooker recipe for an iconic Indian curry in which marinated chicken is cooked in a creamy tomato sauce.

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10. Paneer Tikka Masala

Paneer Tikka Masala in Instant Pot

In this easy Instant Pot Paneer Tikka Masala recipe, soft paneer cubes are simmered in an aromatic and mildly seasoned creamy tomato sauce and finished with a touch of heavy cream.

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11. Tandoori Salmon

Tandoori Salmon

This Tandoori Salmon recipe is a quick, easy and healthy meal in which salmon fillets are rubbed with aromatic Indian spices, then cooked in an air fryer or oven.

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12. Coconut Fish Curry

Coconut Fish Curry

30-minute Instant Pot recipe for Coconut Fish Curry, with tender fish and bell peppers cooked in a coconut milk sauce seasoned with warm Indian spices.

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13. Vegetable Korma

Creamy Vegetable Korma

Vegetable Korma is a mildly-spiced, rich, and creamy curry that's loaded with colorful vegetables. Here's a 30-minute Instant Pot and stovetop recipe for this popular Indian delicacy.

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14. Lamb Korma

Creamy Lamb Korma

Easy Instant Pot recipe for Creamy Lamb Korma. Lamb stew meat is cooked in a creamy coconut sauce, seasoned with warm spices and pressure cooked to a melt-in-the-mouth perfection.

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15. Lamb Biryani

Lamb Biryani

Easy one-pot recipe for Lamb Biryani, an aromatic meat and rice dish from the Indian subcontinent, in which marinated lamb is cooked with basmati rice, fresh herbs & fried onions.

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16. Kadai Paneer

Kadai paneer

20-Minute recipe for Kadai Paneer, a popular Indian dish made of paneer, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes cooked with a blend of aromatic spices.

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17. Kadai Chicken

Kadai Chicken (Chicken Karahi)

Kadai Chicken is a spicy, semi-dry Indian curry featuring crunchy onions, peppers, ginger, and toasted spices. Enjoy this restaurant favorite with this 30-minute Instant Pot recipe.

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18. Paneer Kathi Roll

Paneer Kathi Roll (Paneer Frankie)

This Paneer Kathi Roll, or Paneer Frankie, is flavorful, aromatic, & totally delicious. Made with marinated paneer (cheese) & veggies wrapped in a crisp paratha in 30 minutes.

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19. Chicken Kathi Roll

Chicken Kathi Roll

These chicken kathi rolls are made with chicken marinated in creamy yogurt and spices, then rolled up in a crispy paratha with peppers, onions, and green chutney.

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20. Spinach Dal (Dal Palak)

Dal Palak / Spinach Dal in Instant Pot

This Dal Palak recipe is a blend of split lentils and baby spinach quickly prepared in the Instant Pot then tempered with sweet ghee and warm Indian spices.

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21. Palak Paneer

Saag Paneer | Palak Paneer in Instant Pot

30-minute Instant Pot recipe for Palak Paneer, or Saag Paneer, a popular Indian curry made with soft paneer cubes simmered in a flavorful spinach gravy.

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22. Chana Saag

Chana Saag (Curried Chickpeas and Spinach)

This Chana Saag recipe is a creamy chickpea curry finished with fresh, tender baby spinach prepared with pot-in-pot cumin rice, ready in 30 minutes!

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23. Saag Aloo

Saag Aloo

Saag aloo, a flavorful and comforting north-Indian spinach curry with potatoes. Here's an easy 30-minute recipe for the Instant Pot or stove.

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Create Your Homemade Garam Masala

Now, the moment you've been waiting for – making your very own garam masala at home! Here's a simple recipe to get you started. Simply combine the following spices:

  • 2teaspoonscoriander powder
  • 1teaspooncumin powder
  • ¼teaspoongreen cardamom powder
  • ¼teaspoonground black pepper
  • ⅛teaspoonground cinnamon

Frequently Asked Questions

What is garam masala made of?

While the garam masala recipe varies based on region or the cook's preference, this spice blend typically is made of coriander, cumin, cardamom, cloves, black pepper, cinnamon, bay leaves, fennel seeds, and nutmeg.

What does garam masala taste like?

Garam masala is a blend of warm and aromatic spices that add a unique flavor to this blend. It is a combination of warm, earthy, slightly sweet and floral flavors.

What can you use garam masala in?

Garam Masala can be used to make a variety of Indian appetizers, grilled entrees, lentils, curries, and vegetable stir-frys, called Sabzi.

More Indian Recipes

  • Tandoori Chicken Sliders
  • Gajar Halwa (Carrot Halwa)
  • Til Chikki - Indian Sesame Brittle
  • Whole Roasted Tandoori Cauliflower

Hi, I'm Aneesha!

A foodie by birth and the mind, body and soul behind Spice Cravings where I share my family's favorite easy recipes! A recipe doesn't make it on the blog unless it gets a thumbs-up from my taster-in-chief and teen-chefs - my husband and twin girls!

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Recipes Using Garam Masala (2024)

FAQs

What can I use garam masala for? ›

This Indian cooking staple can be used in sauces or marinades, as part of a dry rub on meats, cooked with onions as the base of a curry or soup, or sprinkle some over your vegetables before roasting them. Try these Masala Mixed Nuts or Masala Paneer Kathi Rolls to get started using this flavorful spice blend.

How much garam masala is enough? ›

Too much garam masala gives a slight bitter flavour, Also a lot of people do not like very strong flavours. Also, it depends on quantity cooked. My general recommendation is about a teaspoon full for a dish for 5 people.

When should I use garam masala? ›

It can be added at the start of cooking, but it's more usual to add it at the end or to sprinkle it over food just before it's served, a little like salt and pepper.

Can you use too much garam masala? ›

Using too much garam masala: Garam masala is a strong spice blend, so a little goes a long way. If you use too much, your dish will be too spicy and overwhelming. Adding garam masala too early: Garam masala should be added towards the end of cooking, when the flavors have had a chance to develop.

Can you sprinkle garam masala in food? ›

Just a sprinkle of this hot, warm, and sweet spice blend will enhance any dish—especially when you take a few minutes to make it yourself.

Can you sprinkle garam masala? ›

Garam masala is usually added either near the beginning of the cooking process or (more commonly) sprinkled on near the end for a stronger sensory hit. It can also be used as a dry rub for meat or for sauces and marinades. As with any spice mix, the aim is to get the right balance of flavours.

Should you fry garam masala? ›

Though spices are typically fried at the start of a recipe, there are also benefits to adding them later on. Dev Biswal explains: 'Generally, it's better to add garam masala at the end of the cooking process, as it works on an aromatic level, raising the whole nature of the dish.

What are the effects of eating 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.

Should I toast garam masala? ›

Yes, toast. Not with a glass of champagne but your fresh whole spice mix. You can find numerous recipes online that will tell you how to make the spice mix. The key is to heat the whole spice on the lowest heat in a heavy vessel or skillet.

Is it safe to eat garam masala everyday? ›

Garam masala is a good spice; it prevents growth of cancer-causing radicals and can prevent colon cancer too. Garam masala is rich in anti inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. This helps in restoring the health of the heart and reduces cholesterol.

What flavor does garam masala add? ›

What Does Garam Masala Taste Like? Garam masala is a complex medley of spices including sweet cinnamon, spicy heat from peppercorns, tanginess from coriander, earthy cumin, and fragrant cardamom. There is no single garam masala recipe, rather the ingredients change according to region and cook.

What is garam masala called in English? ›

Garam masala, an Indian spice blend, roughly translates to “warming spices.” This is because the mix of ingredients heats the body, boosting the metabolism.

Should garam masala be added at the beginning or end of cooking? ›

You can use garam masala in many different ways. I love adding it to a marinade for chicken or fish, mixing it into a curry paste, or blending it with yogurt as a dipping sauce. If you're making a dal, curry, or soup, add the garam masala during the simmering step toward the end of cooking.

Why does my garam masala taste bitter? ›

Burnt Spices: If you sauté or roast the spices for too long or at too high a temperature, they can become burnt and impart a bitter taste to the masala. It's essential to cook the spices just until they release their aroma and are lightly toasted.

Is garam masala inflammatory? ›

Contains anti-inflammatory properties

Additionally, garam masala contains anti-inflammatory qualities. Different factors can produce inflammation in the body. However, there are numerous approaches to addressing this problem.

What does garam masala taste like? ›

What Does It Taste Like? Garam masala adds warmth, sweetness, floral notes, and a touch of heat from the black pepper. It is intended to be a fragrant spice as well as flavorful. While cumin, coriander, and turmeric may remind you of curry, garam masala is generally not firey hot.

Should I use garam masala or curry? ›

Cooking with Curry Powder: Curry Powder enters the early stages of cooking, infusing dishes with its mild and comforting notes. In contrast, Garam Masala steps onto the scene towards the end, adding not just flavor but an aromatic crescendo that tantalizes the senses.

Does garam masala good for health? ›

Many Garam Masala constituents, including pepper, cinnamon, and cumin, have antioxidant characteristics that make them ideal for boosting resistance to common illnesses like cough and cold during the winter. Due to its high antioxidant content, this spice mixture reduces your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

What's the difference between curry powder and garam masala? ›

There is some overlap, but curry powder is generally a blend of aromatic, earthy, and sometimes hot spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, and fenugreek, while garam masala is a blend of warm, sometimes slightly sweet spices such as cloves, cardamom, peppercorns, coriander, cumin, and cinnamon.

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