Garam Masala and Curry Powder

The spices used in Indian cooking are smell-a-lish-ious as they waft through the house when a curry is simmering on the stove.  That mixed with the simple scent of rice steaming is a hint that a crowd favorite is about to hit the dinner table. 

But what happens if you have the desire to make a curry, but find you’ve run out of curry powder or Garam Masala?  You mix and make your own blend that’s what you do! 

I pulled out my Complete Indian Cooking book, the Noon Book of Authentic Indian Cookery and India with Passion.  I read up on Garam Masala and blended my own mix of spices. Here’s what I came up with.  Now all I have to do is make the curry.

Garam Masala Spice Mix

1-tablespoon cumin seeds

1-tablespoon coriander seeds

½ tablespoon fennel seeds

½ tablespoon black peppercorns

1-teaspoon whole cloves

1/2-teaspoon cardamom seeds

½ stick cinnamon

1 dried bay leaves

1 small dried chili

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Heat all the spices except for the nutmeg in a small skillet over medium heat.  Toast until aromatic, about 3-5 minutes.  Cool add nutmeg and grind using a spice or coffee grinder until very fine.  Store in an airtight container.

Garam Masala

Curry Powder

2 tablespoons ground turmeric

2 tablespoons ground cumin

1-tablespoon chili powder

4 tablespoons ground coriander

½ teaspoon garlic powder

Mix all spices together and store in an airtight container.

Curry spice blend