Garam Masala is a spice mix that is popular in Indian cuisine. Which herbs and spices are in Garam Masala that make it so flavorful?
Garam Masala contains ONLY spices (no herbs!) and usually contains:
- Cinnamon
- Cardamom
- Peppercorns
- Coriander seeds
- Mace
- Cloves
- Nutmeg
How is Garam Masala different from curry powder? We’ll compare these two side-by-side and more!
What is Garam Masala?
Garam masala is a seasoning blend similar to curry powder. It’s used in Indian dishes like curry, as well as soups, marinades, and soups. Garam Masala is described as being sweeter compared to curry powder which can be hotter, but the flavors can vary depending on the brand or recipe you use.
Garam Masala is easy to find in grocery stores if you want a prepared option, and you can make homemade versions as well.
Which herbs and spices are in Garam Masala?
As we mentioned earlier, the ingredients in Garam Masala vary depending on the brand or recipe. In general, Garam Masala typically includes herbs and spices such as:
Cinnamon
Did you know there are HUNDREDS of types of cinnamon?! The most common type that you’ll find labeled as just ‘cinnamon’ is Cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), which is less expensive than other types of cinnamon.
Cinnamon provides a warm, sweet flavor that is important to the overall flavor of Garam Masala. The spices in different brands of Garam Masala will vary a bit, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a version without cinnamon!
Cardamom
There are two types of cardamom: green and black. Green cardamom is harvested before it’s mature and is sweeter, while black cardamom is harvested later and dried over fire and has a stronger, more intense smoky flavor.
Green cardamom is the most popular type and is the kind you’ll see in the spice aisle labeled just ‘cardamom’. If you want to use black cardamom in homemade Garam Masala, look for spices specifically called ‘black cardamom’.
Peppercorns
Garam Masala typically contains black peppercorns, the most common type. White peppercorns might also be used, but they are less spicy than black because the outer layers are removed before or after the peppercorns are dried.
Black peppercorns bring spice and warmth to Garam Masala, which pairs well with other warm and slightly sweet spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Coriander seeds
Did you know that coriander seeds come from the same plant that cilantro is from? The herb cilantro comes from the leaves of the Coriandrum sativum plant, while the seeds of that same plant are known as the spice coriander!
Coriander is described as having a flavor similar to ginger – “earthy” with some sweet tartness added in.
Mace
Mace is known as “nutmeg’s sister spice” because it comes from the fruit of the same plant. What’s the difference between mace and nutmeg? Nutmeg comes from the pit of the fruit, and the covering of the pit is mace.
Mace is spicier than nutmeg, but it’s also less expensive. It’s described as having a flavor similar to cinnamon and black pepper, so it makes sense that it’s in a mix that includes those spices!
Cloves
Cloves are one of the spices in allspice and come from the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, but they’re also ground into powder, which is the type found in Garam Masala.
Cloves have a sweet, warm flavor similar to nutmeg.
Nutmeg
We’ve talked a lot about spices that are similar to nutmeg that are in Garam Masala, so is it any surprise that nutmeg is in there, too? Nutmeg is not only in Garam Masala, but it’s a popular spice for making fall favorites like mulled cider and wine, as well as pumpkin pie.
Nutmeg has a milder, sweeter flavor compared to mace, which is spicier – even though they come from the same fruit!
Garam Masala vs. curry powder
Is Garam Masala really that different from curry powder? We’ll compare the common ingredients in both side-by-side so you can compare!
An X means that spice is usually present in the seasoning blend.
| Spice | Curry powder | Garam Masala |
| Cardamom | X | X |
| Cinnamon | X | X |
| Cloves | X | |
| Coriander | X | X |
| Cumin | X | |
| Fenugreek | X | |
| Ginger | X | |
| Mace | X | |
| Nutmeg | X | |
| Peppercorns | X | X |
| Turmeric | X |
FAQs:
Lebanese Seven Spice (Baharat) contains many of the same spices as Garam Masala, but they aren’t the same spice blend. Lebanese Seven Spice contains spices like allspice, coriander, cinnamon, pepper, cloves, cumin, and nutmeg, while Garam Masala contains spices like cinnamon, cardamom, peppercorns, coriander seeds, mace, cloves, and nutmeg.
Unlike its close relative curry powder, Garam Masala doesn’t contain turmeric. Turmeric gives curry powder its bright orange color, while Garam Masala has a more subdued hue and is more tan in color.
If you don’t have Garam Masala on hand, try subbing ground cumin and allspice or curry powder!
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