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.

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.

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.

FAQs

What should 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.

Show Me More ›

Why do Indians use garam masala? ›

Garam masala is usually added near the end of cooking so that it not only seasons the dish but adds to the aroma. Some additional garam masala may also be sprinkled on top of the dish. Traditionally, garam masala is made fresh from the component spices and used within a few days.

View Details ›

Are tikka masala and garam masala the same thing? ›

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.

Read On ›

How healthy is garam masala? ›

Garam masala is rich in anti inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. This helps in restoring the health of the heart and reduces cholesterol. Conditions like arthritis are controlled well when one adds garam masala to the food.

Get More Info ›

Is it safe to eat garam masala everyday? ›

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.

Keep Reading ›

Should you fry garam masala? ›

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.

Show Me More ›

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.

Discover More ›

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.

Read The Full Story ›

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 is the difference between tandoori masala and garam masala? ›

Garam masala and tandoori masala are both made with almost the same mix of spices, but tandoori masala is less spicy than garam masala. Kashmiri Red chilies make tandoori masala less spicy and a better colour. Of course, the taste changes depending on how much and which spices are used.

Get More Info Here ›

Does garam masala taste like curry? ›

While both are Indian spice mixes, their unique flavor profiles distinguish them. Curry Powder tends to be milder, with a symphony of spices creating a harmonious, less intense flavor compared to the robust complexity of Garam Masala.

Keep Reading ›

Can curry replace garam masala? ›

While curry powder's aromatic qualities are different from garam masala, the former offers a similar complexity of flavors and aromas. Curry powder works well with a wide range of dishes, and includes some of the key ingredients of garam masala. To replace garam masala with curry powder in your recipe, use a 1:1 ratio.

Tell Me More ›

Is a tablespoon of garam masala too much? ›

Too much garam masala gives a slight bitter flavour, Also a lot of people do not like very strong flavours. That would be about 1/2–1 level teaspoon, depending on the dish.

Tell Me More ›

Can I use garam masala for weight loss? ›

Garam masala seasoning not only enhances the flavour of food but also aids in weight loss. Cumin is one of the main components of garam masala. Cumin aids in temporarily raising metabolism after consumption.

Read On ›

What is a fun fact about garam masala? ›

The blend is thought to have originated in Northern India and some have traced its first use to the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. The number of Garam Masala variations is endless and each region in India has its own version which accompanies the cuisine and spices grown in that climate.

Learn More Now ›

When should you put garam masala in a curry? ›

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? ›

The name garam masala means hot or warm spices, but the flavors aren't hot as in spicy—garam masala is more of a warming mix, with flavors like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and peppercorns (and many others!).

Know More ›

What Flavour does garam masala give? ›

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.