9 Delicious Garam Masala Substitutes

You’re missing garam masala? There are several excellent garam masala replacements that you may use instead.

This is the greatest guidance for you if you accidentally ran out of garam masala or just wish to use something different in your recipes.

Although no substitute can perfectly replicate the particular taste of Garam Masala, you may try cumin and allspice, curry powder, chaat masala, pumpkin spice, Indian butter chicken, and chicken tikka masala.

These enhancements will give your food the same intensity and complexity that Garam Masala does.

Let’s get started!

Best Garam Masala Substitutes

1. Cumin and allspice

A traditional Garam Masala may include up to 30 ingredients, so making your own is not always viable. Cumin and allspice have the same warming effect but for a considerably shorter period of time.

Allspice tastes like a cross between clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg. That’s why it’s called that. Its goal here is to offer the meal the same variety of taste that these diverse spices would undoubtedly provide.

While small, a mixture of cumin and allspice might help to replicate the Garam Masala taste.

Certain condiments are readily found in every cook’s pantry. If you think about it, this two-part mixture has importance.

The taste of Allspices is reminiscent of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, pepper, and cumin. That’s a delicious garam masala substitute. Just blend 1 part cumin and 1 part allspice.

This combination will produce a delicious taste, and you can use it in any dish that calls for garam masala.

Since allspice is a blend of spices, and cumin has a beautiful scent and sweet taste, your food will be perfectly seasoned and delicious.

2. Curry powder

So! Have you ever heard that curry powder is a British-created condiment? Sure, I’m sure you don’t.

Another thing you may not know is that it was created as a shortcut to obtaining tasty Indian masala foods. I agree to relax. It doesn’t contain the same boiling elements as garam masala, but you’ll agree that they both boost taste profundity in similar ways.

Curry powder is a rather broad term since there are so many different types of curry. Nevertheless, curry powder is often associated with a blend of coriander, turmeric, cumin, and chili peppers.

Despite the fact that many people perceive it as unauthentic, this basic component has been shown to be quite effective.

Many busy chefs choose this spice combination as their go-to. Although it may not have the same flavorings as Garam Masala, it has a comparable overall flavor.

As previously indicated, there may be numerous varieties of curry powder for sale; you will undoubtedly come across them; but, opt for anything labeled just curry powder; it will enough.

Garam Masala isn’t a very scorching spice blend, so avoid any curry powder labeled “hot.” Moderate or medium is usually the best option.

You could also come across something called masala curry powder. Be warned: it’s not the same as Garam Masala; it’s usually simply regular curry powder.

Masala literally translates to “spice combination.” Masala curry powder, on the other hand, works well as a replacement.

Nevertheless, using curry powder will change the appearance of a meal. Curry powder contains turmeric, which is absent from Garam Masala.

Turmeric has a deep yellow color that is often seen in the final impression of a meal. Garam Masala, on the other hand, is brown. But, when examined attentively, these ornamental changes are insignificant.

Curry powder is an essential pantry ingredient. Since it is flexible, it may be used to enhance the taste of a variety of meals. It’s also useful for replacing other Indian spice blends.

Curry powder may be used as an explicit substitute. It is a fairly simple change to quickly restore the depth of Garam Masala in a dish. It may also be included at comparable places in the recipe.

3. Chaat Masala or Sambar Masala

Nothing else compares to Garam Masala since it is a spice combination. Nonetheless, if you want to add some authenticity to a meal, an Indian spice blend is a good option.

The flavor outline will not be exact, but it should deliver the same additional proportions. Preferably, you’ve cooked with these ingredients before and know what they taste like. This makes them easier to trade with.

Chaat Masala has a zingy, shockingly sharp flavor that is accentuated by heat and umami. Using Chaat Masala instead of Garam Masala will give your food a sour flavor and a touch of heat.

The species used in chaat masala provide a range of salty and sugary flavors, so don’t overdo it. When substituting garam masala, use comparable amounts of chaat masala. Yet, everything is dependent on your meal; other recipes may need less reliance on the items utilized.

Chaat masala may be used to make vegetarian stews or other spicy sauces. Sambar Masala provides this warming stimulus while also adding significant heat. It has a strong perfume and is often used in Indian cooking.

While none of these spice blends has the same qualities as Garam Masala, they do share a number of constituents. They also add complexity that some modest alternatives lack. If Garam Masala is unavailable, one of these options is worth a try.

If you’ve never tried them before, you could have discovered a new favorite. Although both may be used as an instant substitution, it is preferable to introduce them gradually and then build up, particularly if you have never tried them previously.

They’re both variations on the same theme, so some may be more forceful than others. Begin with half of the required amount and work your way up, tasting as you go.

4. Pumpkin spice or Ras el Hanout

While it may not seem to be an obvious substitution, a pumpkin spice blend may be used in lieu of Garam Masala. Still, you could wish to make a few changes. Pumpkin pie spice blend is traditionally made with cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and ginger.

While it is often used in sweet cookery, it may also be found in savory foods. Several of those components may be found in the simpler Garam Masala. This gives pumpkin spice a comparable warmth to Garam Masala.

A few components are still lacking.

Coriander, cumin, and black pepper are not included in pumpkin spice. If you’re going to use pumpkin spice instead, I recommend enhancing the taste with cumin and coriander.

Be careful you use a spice blend rather than a syrup! That may sound obvious, but haven’t we all made some ridiculous culinary mistakes? A syrup would not work and would most likely be way too sweet.

Ras el hanout is another option to examine. Ras el hanout is a complex North African seasoning combination. It is similar to Garam Masala in various aspects. Cardamom, cinnamon, clove, cumin, nutmeg, and coriander are all key ingredients.

Ras el hanout is often spicier than Garam Masala, so keep that in mind when replacing. I recommend starting with little amounts of ras el hanout and gradually increasing the taste.

Of course, one of the major issues with using ras el hanout is that it is usually more difficult to get than Garam Masala.

You may come with a blend called Moroccan spice that is either ras el hanout or something similar. If you have ras el hanout on hand, you may easily use it as a substitute.

5. Indian Butter Chicken

Instead of garam masala, another kind of sauce that would go nicely with your other components is Indian butter chicken.

Spices, yogurt, fresh ginger, lemon juice, and chicken are used to make it. It tastes similar to tikka masala but is less complex.

Use it in your recipes to create a flavorful dinner.

6. Cumin, Coriander, and Cardamom

While these spices may be used alone, a combination of cumin, coriander, and cardamom is another way to substitute garam masala.

Combine 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 2 teaspoons coriander seeds, and 1 teaspoon green cardamom pods. After that, place them in a small pan over low heat.

Next, throw them in a blender to turn into powder. You may use it to prepare vegetable stews or to cook meats like steak or lamb.

7. Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is a popular Indian dish that may be used in lieu of garam masala in cooking. It is a sauce made of tomato, chicken, and cream. It also contains traditional Indian spices.

It does contain garam masala in its system, making it a viable substitute. The tastes are wonderful, with sweet and earthy hints that make it exceedingly tasty.

8. Cinnamon, Fenugreek, and Cloves

A mixture of cinnamon, fenugreek, and cloves can also work well in place of garam masala. Put them in a small saucepan over low heat and then in a blender to grind into a fine powder.

The aromas of all these spices will combine to form an attractive blend. You may use it with vegetables, meat stews, poultry, or anything else that calls for garam masala.

9. Mustard seeds, Curry Leaves and Coconut

Last but not least, I sell curry leaves, mustard seeds, and coconut.

Yes.

A teaspoon of chopped coconut, a teaspoon of mustard seeds, and around 12 curry leaves may be used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Garam Masala just curry powder?

NO! That is not the case. These are two distinct spice combinations.

What is Garam Masala called in English?

A spicy spice blend that often includes ground coriander, cumin, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and pepper.

What is the difference between Masala and Garam Masala?

Masala is a general term, but garam masala is a specific kind of spice combination.

What is the difference between Madras Curry and Garam Masala?

Madras curry powder is just curry powder with added spice, but garam masala is considerable and is generally used on the subcontinent.

Can Garam Masala replace Curry?

Absolutely, it is possible. When you desire a mild taste, it may be used interchangeably with curry powder.

Suggested Articles:

• Garam Masala vs. Madras Curry Powder
• Butter Chicken vs. Chicken Korma
• Substitutes for Korma Curry Paste
• Substitutes for Madras Curry Paste
• Is Butter Chicken Hot?