Spice up your culinary adventures with a handy Garam Masala Substitute guide. Uncover common kitchen ingredients that lend an aromatic punch to your dishes, making every meal a flavor-packed delight!
If you’re familiar with Indian cuisine, you’ve probably heard of Garam Masala. This flavorful spice is made from a combination of ground spices. Home cooks use it to add warmth and complexity to dishes. However, since garam masala is not always available, there are many other options to choose from.
Garam masala is not a single spice. It is a popular spice blend people widely use throughout South Asia. This ingredient is especially useful when it comes to Indian cuisine.
The term “garam masala” directly translates to “hot mixture” in Hindi. However, it refers more to the warming properties of the blend of spices rather than its spiciness.
How it is made
The warmth that this mix brings is a result of the spices being roasted before blending. When people roast the spices, they enhance the flavor of the individual spices. Eventually, this roasting process increases the richness of the entire blend.
What it is made of
Garam masala recipes vary from region to region. It usually includes a combination of ground spices such as cumin, coriander, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper.
Each spice in the mix contributes unique characteristics to the flavor profile:
Garam masala’s unique combination of spices adds a distinct and aromatic touch to whatever you put them into. It helps to create a culinary experience that is both rich and satisfying.
Where to find it
You can buy garam masala in grocery stores with an extensive spice aisle. Try looking for it in the international section as well. If you cannot find it there, try specialty spice shops. You may also order it from various online retailers.
Although garam masala is popular, there will be times when it’s not easy to come by. Luckily, there are many substitutes that you can use. Depending on your recipe needs, you can find a replacement that fits the dish’s flavor profile perfectly.
Here is a list with the best substitutes for Garam Masala.
If you don’t have any garam masala on hand or you can’t find any in nearby stores, there’s no better substitute than creating your own.
Creating your own garam masala blend also allows you to adjust the spice blends to your desired flavor. You have complete control over how the spice blend will turn out. This control is something you don’t have when you opt for store-bought varieties.
We have a recipe for it towards the end of this article.
Tips:
You can use your homemade garam masala spice blend in a 1:1 ratio. It is practically the real thing!
Authentic garam masala blends do not contain curry powder. However, it is a common flavoring agent in South Asian recipes, particularly Indian dishes. Using it will offer that same distinct South Asian flavor to your dish.
Curry powder will do if you’re looking for an easy substitute for garam masala. It is a widely available ingredient you can buy in most grocery stores, after all.
Remember that it will have a different complexity, warmth, and aroma than the real thing.
Tips:
Curry powder is a great garam masala substitute for savory dishes. It’s best to skip it when you’re making a sweet dish. You can use curry powder in a 1:1 ratio in savory recipes.
Chaat masala, like garam masala, is also a spice blend. It consists of dried mango powder, cumin, coriander, dried ginger, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Some variations even have garam masala in the blend.
Despite being both masalas, chaat masala and garam masala are different. People use them in different dishes.
Still, chaat masala can be a possible substitute. After all, these two have some common spices in them.
Tips:
Keep in mind that the taste of garam masala is more intense compared to chaat masala. You may need to use more chaat masala in your dish to achieve a similar result. Start with a 1:1 ratio to be on the safe side. Just add more until you reach your desired flavor intensity.
Sambar masala, also known as sambar powder, is another option you have. It is a flavorful Indian spice blend that shares some similarities in taste and texture with garam masala. This blend is popular in South Indian cuisine, particularly in preparing sambar.
This masala is a finely blended mix of a few lentils and various spices. It usually has cumin, coriander, peppercorn, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, red chili peppers, turmeric powder, and curry leaves.
This mix has a similar flavor profile to garam masala. Still, there are a few notable differences to be aware of. For one, this mix has a slightly bitter taste because of the fenugreek seeds.
Additionally, this blend is generally spicier compared to garam masala. After all, it often contains red chili peppers and other hot spices.
Tips:
It’s best to use this blend at an amount that is less than the garam masala your recipe calls for. In doing so, you will avoid having an overly spicy dish.
You might be surprised that pumpkin spice is a suitable substitute for garam masala.
However, it has some common spices with garam masala, which makes it an ideal swap. Pumpkin spice is another spice mix that contains nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.
Although using pumpkin spice is possible for dishes that need garam masala, note that it is not an exact flavor match. As a result, your recipes will have sweeter tones compared to if you used garam masala.
Pumpkin spice has a distinct flavor that you will not be able to ignore when put in a dish.
Tips:
You can use pumpkin spice in a 1:1 ratio in any dish. If you don’t want to have such a distinct pumpkin pie spice flavor in your dish, feel free to use a lesser amount.
Add a bit of cumin, coriander, or a few dashes of black pepper to the mix for a closer flavor match.
Ras El Hanout is a spice mix from North Africa. It contains over a dozen spices, giving it a complex flavor profile.
This mix usually has cardamom, cumin, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, chili peppers, peppercorn, and dry turmeric, among others.
This blend has many spices in common with garam masala, so it works as a substitute. However, it has a stronger overall flavor profile compared to garam masala.
It’s best not to use too much of it, especially if it’s your first time using it in your dish.
Tips:
It’s best to start with ¼ of what the recipe calls for in garam masala. You can slowly add more until you reach your desired taste.
This spice mix is best used as a garam masala substitute in dishes that uses lamb, chicken, and chickpeas since it pairs well with these.
Combining allspice and cumin creates a warm and earthy blend close to the warmth that garam masala offers.
Allspice tastes like a blend of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. It brings warmth and complexity to the mix. Conversely, cumin adds an earthy and slightly smoky note that harmonizes well with the aromatic qualities of allspice.
Allspice and cumin are both easy to find and accessible regardless of where you are. For this reason, this blend is a great option when you don’t have any garam masala on hand.
Tips:
Use 4 parts of allspice and 1 part of cumin for the best results. Then, follow a 1:1 ratio in exchange for the garam masala.
Cardamom, coriander, and cumin are three warming spices that can create a simple and effective blend. Their combination tastes close to the flavor and warmth of garam masala.
Toast the spices in a skillet until they release their wonderful aroma. This toasting process helps intensify their flavors and brings out their best qualities.
Let them cool and grind them in a coffee grinder, or if you don’t have any, with a mortar and pestle.
Tips:
For the best result, combine two teaspoons of coriander seeds, one teaspoon of cumin seeds, and half a teaspoon of cardamom pods.
Once you have successfully mixed and toasted the spices, you can use them in the same quantities as garam masala in any recipe.
Chinese Five Spice is another spice mix that will work as a replacement in certain dishes. This spice blend includes star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds.
Obviously, this blend has some common ingredients with the garam masala spice mix, so it can be a suitable option. However, garam masala has a more intense and distinct flavor than Chinese Five Spice.
Plus, it does not give off the same warmth. That said, it may not be the best substitute for garam masala, but it is a good option if you don’t have other replacements on hand.
Tips:
You can opt for a 1:1 ratio when using Chinese Five Spice instead of garam masala. Do a taste test; you may need to add more to get the same intensity.
Making your own garam masala spice blend is easy as long as you have the necessary ingredients. Here’s a simple recipe you can follow.
If you want to ensure that the garam masala substitute you use is ideal for your dish, then there are a few things you need to consider. Here are some tips on how to choose the right substitute:
Consider the flavor profile you want to achieve in your dish. Garam masala typically has warm, aromatic, and slightly sweet notes.
Look for substitutes with a similar flavor profile, such as spices with earthy, warm, and fragrant characteristics. Ras El Hanout is a great swap in this case.
Some substitutes offer other hints of flavor. For example, curry powder can bring something new to your dish.
Garam masala is not typically hot, but some substitutes may have a slightly different heat profile. Determine the desired spiciness level in your dish and choose a replacement accordingly.
You may need to adjust the amounts or choose a milder substitute if you prefer less heat. However, if adding heat is something you want to do, go for swaps that naturally add spice to the dish, like sambar masala.
Take into account your taste preferences. Some substitutes may have stronger or milder flavors, so choose one that aligns with your taste and the intensity of flavors you desire. Don’t be afraid to try and try until you find the right blend of spices that works for you.
No, garam masala and curry powder are not the same. Both garam masala and curry powder are indeed popular in Indian cooking. However, they are two distinct spice blends with different flavor profiles and culinary uses.
Yes, you can skip using garam masala. If you don’t have it or prefer not to use it in a recipe, you can not include it. Its absence will be noticeable, though. If you’re skipping it because you don’t have it, replacing it with a close substitute is the best option.
Garam masala is typically made from a combination of ground spices, which can vary based on regional preferences and individual recipes. Common spices found in garam masala include cumin, coriander, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper.
Garam Masala is used as an all-purpose seasoning, especially with Indian cuisines. However, despite being a versatile spice mix, it is not as all-purpose as salt and pepper. It works in various dishes, but some dishes are best without it.
Garam masala is a well-loved and popular South American spice mix that gives a dish warmth and earthy, slightly sweet flavors. It helps many dishes have a more complex and flavorful taste. Despite being such a valuable spice, it may not always be available in stores. Luckily, there are many substitutes for garam masala that you can use in your recipes.
You may opt for curry powder or allspice with cumin. Even other masalas like sambar masala and chaat masala are decent substitutes that you can try. If you don’t want to use other swaps, make your garam masala spice blend by toasting the key spices in the mix.
As always, don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the best garam masala substitute so you can enjoy dishes just the same.
