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Home >> Recipes Collections

30+ Amazing Indian Recipes Using Garam Masala

Published: Sep 4, 2023 · Modified: Sep 4, 2023 by Jyoti Behrani · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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Recipes With Garam Masala: In this blog post you will explore 30+ Indian recipes using garam masala, a versatile and irresistible aromatic spice blend.

recipe with garam masala

Garam masala adds depth, complexity, and a rich aroma to Indian dishes. Its combination of spices imparts a warm and earthy flavor that is essential in many Indian recipes.

Garam masala is a versatile spice blend that can be used in a wide range of Indian dishes, from curries and stews to rice and vegetable dishes. It is a go-to seasoning in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian cooking.

Indian cuisine is incredibly diverse, with each region having its own unique blend of spices and flavors. Garam masala recipes can vary significantly from one region to another, reflecting the local culinary traditions and ingredients.

If you ask me one spice I cannot absolutely live without is this homemade garam masala. It is an absolute must in my home.

For many years, my mom used to make garam masala for me and send it to me. Last year when I visited back home, I learned this Garam Masala Recipe from my mom.

Wondering how to use this magical spice blend? Don't worry, I have you covered. In this blog post, we'll explore different Indian recipes using garam masala. Hope you find some inspiration for your next meal.

Jump to:
  • What Is Garam Masala
  • Store-bought vs Homemade Garam Masala
  • Recipes With Garam Masala
  • FAQ's
  • Recipe Roundups

What Is Garam Masala

Garam masala is a popular spice blend used in Indian cooking. The term "garam masala" translates to "hot spices," but it doesn't necessarily refer to the spiciness or heat of the blend. Instead, it denotes the warming and aromatic qualities of the spices included in the mixture.

Garam masala is made by dry-roasting and grinding a combination of various spices, and the exact composition can vary by region and personal preference. Common ingredients found in garam masala blends include: Cinnamon, Cloves, Cardamom (Black & Green), Black Peppercorns, Cumin Seeds, Coriander Seeds, Nutmeg, Bay Leaves, Star Anise, and Fennel Seeds.

These spices are typically dry-roasted to enhance their flavors before being ground into a fine powder. The resulting garam masala blend is used as a seasoning or finishing touch in various Indian dishes, such as curries, stews, rice dishes, and more.

The specific proportions and choice of spices can vary widely, and there are countless regional variations of garam masala throughout India.

Garam masala is known for its ability to impart a complex, warming, and aromatic flavor profile to dishes, making it an essential ingredient in Indian cuisine.

It can also be added towards the end of the cooking process to preserve its delicate flavors and fragrance.

While it's readily available in stores, many people also prefer to make their own garam masala blends at home for a more customized and fresher flavor.

Store-bought vs Homemade Garam Masala

Store-bought garam masala is convenient and consistent in flavor, making it a time-saving option for those who want a quick solution. However, homemade garam masala allows for customization, fresher ingredients, and the ability to tailor the blend to your personal taste preferences, resulting in a more authentic flavor profile in your dishes.

Making garam masala at home is simple and allows you to customize the blend to your taste preferences. Here's a recipe for homemade Garam Masala Recipe

cropped-garam-masala-recipe-3.jpg

Recipes With Garam Masala

Garam masala is a versatile spice blend that can be used in a wide variety of Indian dishes. Here are some popular recipes that include garam masala as a key ingredient:

1
whole moong dal
Wholesome Green Moong dal [Mung Bean Curry]
Delight your taste buds with a hearty bowl of homemade Moong Bean Dal, a nutritious Indian lentil soup bursting with flavor! Try this Moong Bean Dal recipe for a comforting meal that's vegetarian, healthy, and delicious. Perfect with rice or naan!
Check out this recipe
2
Shalgam Ka Bharta [Indian Mashed Turnip Recipe]
Indulge in the rich flavors of Shalgam ka Bharta, a classic Indian recipe that transforms turnips into a deliciously spiced delight. Whether paired with warm rotis or fluffy rice, this vegetarian dish is a true comfort food gem!
Check out this recipe
3
soya aloo matar
Nutritious Soya Granules Aloo Matar (TVP Potato Peas Curry)
Soya Granules Aloo Matar: A flavorful and protein-packed Indian dish combining soya granules, potatoes, and green peas in a fragrant blend of spices. 
Check out this recipe
4
aloo gobi matar
Aloo Gobi Matar [Spiced Potato Cauliflower Peas]
Aloo Gobi Matar is a simple stir fry of potatoes, cauliflower, and peas, flavored with aromatic Indian spices. This low-fat recipe is ready in 20 minutes! Tasty, healthy, and vegan!
Check out this recipe
5
Lauki Chana Dal Sabji
Lauki Chana Dal is a delicious North Indian curry made with bottle gourd, chickpea lentils, tomatoes, chilies, and spices. It's flavorful, tangy, and slightly spicy.
Check out this recipe
6
butter paneer masala recipe
Paneer Butter Masala Recipe
Indulge in the creamy goodness of Paneer Butter Masala! This classic Indian dish features tender paneer in a rich tomato-based gravy.
Check out this recipe
7
black eyed peas curry
Lobia | Lobia Dal | Black Eyed Peas Curry
Lobia is a nutritious and delicious, popular Indian curry made with black eyed peas, simmered in an onion, tomato base sauce, and some aromatic Indian spices. Enjoy this vegan and gluten free lobia dal over steamed white rice or some naan.
Check out this recipe
8
Easy Indian Chicken Curry - Instant Pot, Stove Top
Easy Indian Chicken curry is a dish from North Indian cuisine. This delicious one-pot chicken curry is made with basic ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknights dinner!
Check out this recipe
9
Kale Chane Ke Kebab
Kale Chane Ke Kebab (Black Chickpea Kebab) are so easy to make and are such a healthy and a delicious appetizer. Serve these yummy, melt-in mouth, vegetarian kebab with some Mint And Coriander Chutney.
Check out this recipe
10
achari chicken recipe
Achari Chicken - Achari Chicken Recipe
Achari Chicken (Pickled Chicken Curry) is a quick and easy chicken curry recipe from North India. This Achari Chicken curry is made with pickling spices, gives this dish a balance of spicy, tangy flavors to this dish.
Check out this recipe
11
Lauki Kofta Curry | Bottle gourd Dumplings Curry
Lauki kofta curry is a popular dish from North India. Kofta's are made with bottle gourd and immersed in flavorful onion-tomato sauce. Enjoy this kofta curry with Indian bread roti, or paratha.
Check out this recipe
12
dal makhani dish
Recipe for Dal Makhani - Better than Restaurant!
Recipe for Dal Makhani: Enjoy this classic Indian Dal right in the comfort of your home. Made with black lentils, aromatic Indian spices, this recipe is easy and way better than any takeout!
Check out this recipe
13
bharta recipe
Baingan Bharta - Roasted Eggplant Mash
Baingan Bharta Recipe! Indulge in the smoky goodness of roasted eggplant Indian recipe combined with aromatic spices, in this flavorful vegan dish.
Check out this recipe
14
mutter paneer
Matar Paneer Recipe [Mutter Paneer]
Matar Paneer Recipe (Mutter Paneer) is a vegetarian curry made with Indian cottage cheese and peas cooked in an onion-tomato base sauce with Indian aromatic spices. Serve with rice, roti, or naan bread for a satisfying meal.
Check out this recipe
15
raw banana curry
Kacche Kele Ki Sabji | Raw Banana Curry | Plantain Recipes
Kache Kele Ki Sabji is a simple and delicious Indian dish made with raw bananas or plantains. This vegan Plantain Curry with North Indian flare is a spicy, flavorful, delicious meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Check out this recipe
16
broccoli aloo
Broccoli Aloo [Indian Broccoli Potato Stir Fry]
This delicious Vegan broccoli aloo is a perfect mid-week lunch. It takes only 15 minutes of active cooking time to make this dish.
Check out this recipe
17
gobi matar masala
Gobi Matar Masala [Indian Spiced Cauliflower & Peas]
Gobi Matar Masala -Cauliflower and peas cooked with onion, tomatoes & aromatic spices. This low-fat recipe is ready in 30 minutes! A great meat-free option for a meatless meal. Tasty, healthy, and vegan!
Check out this recipe
18
mixed sprouts curry
Mixed Sprouts Curry
Highly nutritious and wholesome, mixed sprouts curry made with a combination of sprouted lentils, beans, nuts, and seeds. Enjoy with a bowl of steaming rice or roti or by itself.
Check out this recipe
19
methi chole
Methi Chole [Fenugreek Chana Masala]
Methi Chole – Try this twist on the popular Chole (chana) Masala recipe! Perfect for packing into lunch boxes or enjoying at home.
Check out this recipe
20
Kashmiri Paneer Masala
Kashmiri Paneer Masala
This easy Kashmiri Paneer Masala recipe makes a quick and tasty Indian curry. Soft, succulent pieces of paneer are simmered in a delicious tomato-based gravy. This is a no-cream, no-butter recipe, no-onion, and no-garlic recipe. Perfect for weeknights or even for entertaining!
Check out this recipe
21
Paneer in veggie sauce
Paneer In Veggie Sauce
The BEST and incredibly creamy Paneer in the veggie sauce! The luscious veggie-based sauce has a unique restaurant-style flavor for all you paneer lovers. A great way to sneak in some extra veggies for those kiddos and picky eaters!
Check out this recipe
22
nav dhan dal
Nav Dhan Dal
Nav Dhan dal is a creamy, and flavorful dal made with a combination of nine different beans and lentils and aromatic Indian spices!
Check out this recipe
23
Mushroom Matar Masala
Mushroom Matar Masala
Mushroom Matar Masala is a simple, delicious, vegan curry made with earthy mushrooms and peas. The masala or gravy is a simple onion-tomato-based sauce and a few basic Indian spices.
Check out this recipe
24
No-Fail Instant Pot Palak Paneer – Better Than Takeout!
Palak Paneer (Instant Pot & Pressure Cooker)
Instant Pot Palak Paneer: This is an easy one-pot version of the traditional palak paneer, cooked in an Instant Pot, and is ready in less than 20 minutes.
Check out this recipe
25
Black Chickpea Curry
Kala Chana Masala ( Black chickpeas curry)
Kala chana masala or black chickpeas curry, is a popular dish from North Indian cuisine. Black chickpeas are simmered in an onion, tomato base sauce and some aromatic Indian spices. Enjoy this flavorful, excellent protein rich curry over steamed white rice or some naan. This recipe is VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE
Check out this recipe
26
recipes for rajma
Rajma Chawal | Rajma Masala | Rajma Recipe
This homestyle Rajma Recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl, with its comforting blend of aromatic spices and creamy kidney beans. Each spoonful is a cozy embrace of flavor, perfect for nourishing the soul on a chilly evening.
Check out this recipe
27
methi murgh
Methi Chicken Curry [Methi Murgh]
Methi chicken or methi Murgh is a flavorful, hearty dish made using fresh fenugreek leaves. Tender marinated chicken simmered in a nutty, flavorful, fenugreek curry, gives this dish a very unique flavor.
Check out this recipe
28
Easy Chana Masala | Chickpeas Masala
Chana Masala recipe: Enjoy this delicious, flavorsome, hearty Indian meal made with protein-packed chickpeas, simmered in aromatic onion-tomato sauce. Serve this vegetarian chickpeas masala curry with steamed Basmati rice, or naan.
Check out this recipe
29
Homestyle Chicken Curry - Recipe Video
This delicious one-pot chicken curry is made with basic ingredients and comes together in no time. Perfect for weeknights dinner!
Check out this recipe
30
Instant Pot Aloo Gobi | Pressure Cooker Potato Cauliflower Curry
Instant Pot Aloo Gobi – A classic Indian dish made with potatoes, cauliflower, and simple spices in the instant pot. This recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and cooked to perfection in an Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker) in no time.
Check out this recipe
31
Indian Cottage Cheese Bites / Paneer Tikka 
This Paneer Tikka is a very quick and delicious appetizer recipe made with some marinated paneer or Indian cottage cheese and is grilled to give a nice smoky flavor. 
Check out this recipe
32
Mushroom Egg Keema
This Mushroom Egg Keema is a very healthy and a delicious recipe from North India. This mushroom egg keema is a very easy and a yummy dish, which can be served as a main course or a side dish, a great alternative to meat keema.
Check out this recipe

FAQ's

What can you use garam masala in?

You can use garam masala in a wide variety of Indian dishes, such as curries, biryanis, tandoori marinades, and even in snacks like samosas and pakoras, to infuse them with its signature warmth and depth of flavor. Additionally, garam masala can be sprinkled sparingly over finished dishes as a fragrant seasoning for a final burst of aromatic richness.

What cultural cuisine is garam masala used most often?

Garam masala is most often used in Indian cuisine, where it plays a central role in enhancing the flavor and aroma of a wide range of dishes, reflecting the rich and diverse culinary traditions of the Indian subcontinent. While it can be found in other South Asian cuisines to varying degrees, it is the cornerstone of Indian cooking, where it imparts warmth and complexity to both savory and sweet recipes.

Where can I add garam masala?

You can add garam masala to dishes at various stages of cooking, depending on the desired flavor intensity. For milder, aromatic notes, sprinkle a pinch as a finishing touch just before serving, but for deeper flavor, incorporate it earlier in the cooking process, such as during sautéing or marinating, to allow its spices to infuse the entire dish.

What spices go well with garam masala?

Garam masala pairs well with spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and ginger to create a robust and balanced flavor profile in Indian dishes. Additionally, ingredients like garlic, onions, and tomatoes complement the aromatic blend of garam masala, enhancing its depth and complexity.

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Hi, I'm Jyoti!

Glad to meet you! Here you will find quick and easy weeknight dinners to more complex dishes for special occasions. I love cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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