21+ Amazing Recipes With Garam Masala (2024)

If you enjoy Indian cuisine, you must be familiar with garam masala. Wondering how to use this warm Indian spice blend? Here are 21+ amazing recipes with garam masala that you can make for dinner tonight.

Indian meals are not complete without the addition of wonderful spices. And garam masala is one of the most popular spice blends used in India. Several spices are combined to makeGaram Masala.

What is Garam Masala?

21+ Amazing Recipes With Garam Masala (1)

In Hindi,Garammeans “warm”, and Masala is basically a “blend of spices.” So Garam Masala translates to the warm spice blend.

Garam Masala is typically made by combining – cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black peppercorns, ginger, and nutmeg. The whole spices are toasted until fragrant and then blended to make garam masala.

To get the amounts for each spice, check the detailed recipe for garam masala powder. And also see easy-to-make substitutes for garam masala.

It is used in many Indian vegetarian and chicken curries and side dishes – likechickpea curry, chicken curry, or thissaag.

It can also be used to flavor meats in marinades and rubs. Check out this recipe forIndian tandoori marinade.

Let’s look at the popular Indian recipes where you can use garam masala.

Table of Contents

  • What is Garam Masala?
  • Chana Masala
  • Bombay Potatoes
  • Butter Chicken
  • Tandoori Cauliflower
  • Chicken Biryani
  • Mushroom Matar
  • Tandoori Chicken Wings
  • Chicken Tikka Masala
  • Vegetable Biryani
  • Aloo Gobi
  • Vegetable Korma
  • Spinach Dal
  • Palak Paneer
  • Keema
  • Paneer Frankie
  • Salmon Tikka Masala
  • Paneer Tikka Masala
  • Potato Curry
  • Indian Asparagus Stir Fry
  • Rajma
  • Curried Pumpkin Soup
  • Spinach Rice
  • Chicken Karahi
  • Common Questions
  • More Recipe Collections

Chana Masala

Punjabi Chole or Chana Masala is the favorite Indian chickpea curry. This healthy vegan and gluten-free curry is enjoyed with naan or fried Indian puffed bread called poori. It is the perfect way to cozy up on a cold evening.

Bombay Potatoes

If you like potatoes, this will be your new favorite –Bombay PotatoesorMasala Aloo. Baby Potatoes are cooked with aromatic spices as a one-pot dish. They are perfect for serving as an appetizer or a side dish.

Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken is the most popular Indian dish worldwide. Chicken cooked in mildly spiced tomato gravy with aromatic ginger, garlic, and spices.

This dish is a great way to delve into Indian cooking, as it is mild but still has a wonderful flavor with the addition of garam masala. Serve with naan or rice.

Tandoori Cauliflower

This Tandoori Gobi Tikka is so flavorful, golden, and crispy.It is tossed with a spiced yogurt marinade and roasted in the oven or air fryer. The whole family will love this easy and healthy cauliflower appetizer!

Chicken Biryani

This Indian chicken and rice dish is popular all over the world.

Thisone-pot Chicken Biryanihas fragrant rice cooked with tender, juicy chicken along with lots of warming spices and caramelized onions.

Mushroom Matar

21+ Amazing Recipes With Garam Masala (7)

Made with earthy mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices, this Mushroom Masala Curry is a wonderful warm weeknight dinner that can be made in just 30 minutes.

Tandoori Chicken Wings

These smoky Tandoori chicken wings are marinated in Indian spices and yogurt and grilled to perfection.

The wings are succulent and juicy on the interior and crispy on the outside. Serve with a yogurt dip or Indian green chutney.

Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is a super flavorful and aromatic Indian chicken curry made with marinated tender chicken cooked in a creamy sauce.

One of the favorite dishes to order at Indian restaurants. Once you make it at home, you will not consider take-out again!

Vegetable Biryani

Fragrant basmati rice cooked with lots of vegetables and aromatic whole spices and herbs.

Vegetable Biryani has all the goodness of biryani but is made healthier and vegetarian. Pair with cooling cucumber raita for a well-balanced meal.

Aloo Gobi

A simple and delicious veggie stir fry, perfect for weeknights – Aloo Gobi.

Aloo is Potato, and gobi is Cauliflower, so this is a Potatoes & Cauliflower Stir Fry cooked with onion and tomato, along with aromatic spices such as turmeric & garam masala.

Vegetable Korma

This restaurant-style creamy vegetable korma curryis a perfect blend of vegetables with a creamy coconut-based sauce. A vegan & gluten-free curry that pairs perfectly with naan or rice.

Spinach Dal

Spinach Dal, popularly called Dal Palak in India,is a comforting lentil soup with spinach mixed in it for extra nutrition.

It is so easy to make it in the pressure cooker.A little garam masala at the end elevates the flavors of the dal. Enjoy it withbasmati riceor as a soup.

Palak Paneer

A North Indian favorite made with spinach and firm cottage cheese, Palak Paneer.

The one-pot recipe for Palak Paneer can be made in 20 minutes and is super easy and just as delicious as the traditional version.

Keema

Keema Curry is one of the most popular Indian & Pakistani dishes made with ground meat. It is an easy one-pot dish that can be made in just 30 minutes.

Keema or minced meat (goat, chicken, lamb, or beef) is cooked with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and aromatic spices, to make the most flavorful Keema recipe.

Paneer Frankie

ThisPaneer Frankie Roll, also known asPaneer Kathi Rolls, is a popular Indian street food made with flaky flatbread, covered with egg, and wrapped with spicy paneer and tangy toppings.

Perfect for packing for a grab-and-go meal or a special weeknight meal.

Salmon Tikka Masala

This Salmon Tikka Masala is super flavorful, warm, and creamy, perfect for satisfying those curry cravings.

Marinated salmon steamed along with tikka masala sauce in the pressure cooker. Pair it with basmati rice or naan for a comforting meal.

Paneer Tikka Masala

The vegetarian version of Tikka Masala, made with paneer, is just as amazing as the meat version.

Paneer Tikka Masalais a flavorful and aromatic curry made with marinated and grilled paneer cubes simmered in a rich onion tomato gravy and warm spices.

Potato Curry

This North Indian Potato Curry is popularly known as Aloo Rasedar. Aloo means potato, and Rasedar is a thin tomato-based gravy.

It is typically paired with puffed Indian bread, called puri. It is a budget-friendly meal that the whole family enjoys.

Indian Asparagus Stir Fry

Aloo Asparagusis a flavorful, spiced, and tasty Indian-inspired dish made with asparagus and potatoes.

Super quick and simple, this Indian Asparagus stir-fry is made with some basic spices and tastes absolutely delicious.

Rajma

Rajma Masala is an Indian Red Kidney Bean Curry, a favorite comfort food enjoyed with rice in Northern India.

Kidney beans are cooked with onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices to make this vegan and gluten-free curry.

Curried Pumpkin Soup

You’ll fall in love with thisCreamy Vegan Curried Pumpkin Soup. This flavorful soup is made with coconut milk and flavored with warming spices. It is perfect for warming you up on a chilly day!

Spinach Rice

Spinach Rice is a wonderful one-pot side dish. Aromatic basmati rice is cooked with spinach and spices to make this Spinach Rice flavorful and healthy!

Chicken Karahi

21+ Amazing Recipes With Garam Masala (24)

A flavorful and aromatic Pakistani chicken curry made with chicken, earthy spices and fresh ginger.

This restaurant-style chicken curry is perfect to pair with naan or roti. It is so delicious you’ll want to dig in and relish every last bite!

Common Questions

21+ Amazing Recipes With Garam Masala (25)

When should you add garam masala to a curry?

Typically, garam masala is added halfway through or right at the end of cooking as a garnish to improve a dish’s flavor. You only need a small amount because of its strong flavor. It’s a great finishing spice.

What does garam masala taste like?

Garam Masala means “warm spices,” but it definitely doesn’t mean they’re hot/ spicy. Garam Masala is highly aromatic and has a subtle sweetness with an earthy undertone. It enhances the overall taste of the food.
Again, it depends on which region it is made in. Some garam masalas will be spicy, while others may be zesty.

More Recipe Collections

  • Indian Soup Recipes
  • Indian Side Dishes
  • Indian Salad Recipes
  • Indian Dessert Recipes

I hope you enjoy this amazing collection of recipes using garam masala. Comment to let us know your favorite.

Categorized as: Indian, Recipes

About Meeta

I strongly believe that each one of us has a chef inside us, we just need to explore the ingredients and create great food. My passion is to share easy, healthy, and wholesome recipes made using Instant Pot & Air Fryer, that are well tested, so you can cook with confidence.

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21+ Amazing Recipes With Garam Masala (2024)

FAQs

What foods do you use garam masala for? ›

My Favorite Uses for Garam Masala
  • Bake with it. Swap garam masala for some or all of the spices in your favorite pumpkin pie recipe. ...
  • Roast root vegetables with it. ...
  • Combine it with yogurt for the best chicken marinade. ...
  • Shake it on popcorn. ...
  • Make masala eggs. ...
  • Stir it into soups.
Nov 6, 2019

Is a tablespoon of garam masala too much? ›

Garam Masala is used to enhance the flavor in a dish and is used in very little quantity. I usually use about only 1/2 tablespoon of garam masala in a recipe for a serving of 4-5. The hot/heat in Garam Masala is not the same kind of hot as in hot green peppers.

What cancels out garam masala? ›

Add acids. One great way to neutralize a strong flavor is to add another strongflavor. A highly acidic ingredient can help to mask the taste of a strong spice blend like garam masala. You can try an authentic Indian spice like mango powder or tamarind.

What popular Indian blend can up to 20 spices including coriander cumin and turmeric make up? ›

Curry powder

Up to 20 spices—including coriander, cumin, and turmeric—can make up this popular Indian blend. The Madras variety has more heat.

What is the best way to use garam masala? ›

How to Use It. 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.

Can you sprinkle garam masala in food? ›

For the best application of garam masala, it needs to be cooked (i.e., this is not the spice blend to sprinkle raw over cucumbers or dips). Begin by sautéing it with your aromatics at the start of cooking, add it midway to perfume the entire stew or braise, or do both.

What happens if we eat garam masala everyday? ›

In some people, garam masala leads to diarrhoea and vomiting. Bloating is another problem that some people may face when they consume too much of garam masala.

Is garam masala bad for blood pressure? ›

Regulates Blood Pressure & Improves Heart Health

Cardamom has shown promise when it comes to regulating blood pressure levels and improving overall heart health. Additionally, coriander has been known to lower total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Is garam masala bad for high blood pressure? ›

Regular consumption of garam masala reduces the risk of suffering a heart attack. Its components, such as cardamom and coriander, assure general heart health and lower the chance of a stroke. When it comes to lowering blood pressure and enhancing general heart health, garam masala powder has shown promise.

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.

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.

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.

What is India's most famous seasoning? ›

Garam Masala

India's most famous seasoning is Garam masala. It's actually a combination of dried spices including pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cumin, coriander, tej patta, pepper, and some others. It is the used in many dishes, including Chana Masala.

Which 3 spices are native to India? ›

Indian Origins

Spices and herbs such as black pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, and cardamom have been used by Indians for thousands of years for both culinary and health purposes. Spices indigenous to India (such as cardamom and turmeric) were cultivated as early as the 8th century BC in the gardens of Babylon (2).

What 7 spices go in an Indian spice box? ›

What are the seven essential Indian spices? If you want to try Indian cooking at home, the essential spices for any traditional Indian curry or recipe include: Chilli Powder, Cloves, Cumin Seeds, Cassia, Ground Coriander, Turmeric Powder and Cardamom.

When should you add 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 flavor does garam masala add? ›

Garam masala is a warm, fragrant spice blend with lots of layers of flavor. Not every blend will taste the same, but you'll likely get hints of cinnamon, cloves or peppercorns. Try a pinch on roasted vegetables—you'll really taste it!

What's the difference between curry masala 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.

What's the difference between garam masala and tikka 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.

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