4.7 from 81 votes
Homemade 5-Ingredient Garam Masala
Homemade 5-Ingredient Garam Masala blends toasted whole spices including black peppercorns, cloves, crushed cinnamon, green cardamom pods, and cumin seeds. The spices are briefly roasted to release aroma, then ground finely to create a fragrant, warm spice mix for use in Indian cooking.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings:
oz
Course:
Condiments
Cuisine:
Indian
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 2 tablespoon cloves
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon stick crushed
- ¾ tablespoon green cardamom pods
- 1 tablespoon black cumin seeds or regular cumin seeds, or shah jeera
Instructions
- Lightly roast each spice in a small pan until they get hot, about a minute. Stir frequently. Make sure not to burn them by roasting them too long. The goal is to make them a bit toasty so they are easy to grind.
- Cool spices and then grind fine in a coffee or spice grinder. Store in an airtight container away from direct sunlight.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Use whole green cardamom pods, not just the seeds, for fuller aroma.
- Roast spices briefly just until hot to avoid burning and bitterness.
- Cool spices fully before grinding to prevent moisture buildup.
- Store garam masala in an airtight container away from light to maintain freshness.