Substitutes for Garam Masala: 10 Best Alternatives + FAQs!

Spices play an essential role in our cooking as they have a pleasant perfume and give our dishes a distinct flavor. Garam Masala comprises various spices that give it a distinct flavor and scent, so the mixtures are often used in Indian cuisine and specialty dishes.

Garam masala has a mellow, multifaceted flavor with hints of sweetness from the cinnamon and spice from the peppercorns. They have earthy tones from the cumin and a pleasant fragrance and perfume from the cardamom. You can also make one at home by combining spices and cooking with them.

It will offer your dinner a warm spicy flavor that will enhance the flavor of your food. Is there anything else you can use if you don’t have access to garam masala? Curry powder, allspice and cumin, chaat masala, sambhar masala, chicken tikka masala, Indian butter chicken, and other spice mixes are excellent garam masala alternatives. Let’s dive into the specifics and suggestions for using these alternatives.

On our list, you’ll discover the best garam masala substitute, as well as a second list with a spice combination that will also work well. Please scroll down to learn more about the spices and utilize them.

1. Curry Powder

When you run out of garam masala, curry powder is the first thing that springs to mind. You might not receive the same impact as if you used garam masala. You will, however, be served a great supper. Curry is a popular spice in Indian cooking; thus, it will go well with several Indian dishes. You can use curry powder in most of your dishes but adjust to your preferences.

2. Cumin and allspice

You may reach garam masala’s flavor by combining two spices. There are various variants, one of which is a mixture of cumin and allspice to add to your dish to produce a tasty supper. When cooking, combine a quarter cup of cumin with a quarter cup of allspice.

Because allspice is a blend of several spices, and cumin has a pleasant scent and sweet flavor, your food will be full of flavor and taste. This combination has a pleasant flavor and may be used in garam masala dishes. It’s quick and easy, plus it saves you a trip to the shop for garam masala.

3. Chaat Masala

Chaat masala is another option that originates from Indian cuisine. If you don’t have any garam masala on hand, this is the choice to go with. It’s a spice combination that’s a little different than garam masala. When replacing, keep in mind that the species used in chaat masala provide a salty and sweet flavor.

When substituting garam masala, use equivalent quantities of chaat masala. You can use chaat masala in vegetarian stews or other spicy sauces. But it all depends on your food; specific recipes may require less based on the components used.

4. Sambhar Masala

You may use this fragrant and savory sambhar masala in place of garam masala in most dishes. This masala is commonly used in South Indian cooking and comprises various spices. Coriander seeds, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, dried red chilies, cinnamon, dry coconut, and other spices are combined in this dish.

Depending on how you want your dish to taste and smell, substitute equal quantities or add more or less. You may always prepare the mixture at home and save it in a jar for later use.

5. Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken masala is a favorite Indian dish that you may also use to make garam masala. It’s a tomato-based sauce with chicken and cream and traditional Indian spices. It has garam masala in its composition, making it an acceptable substitute. The tastes are divine, with a hint of sweetness and earthiness that makes it exceedingly tasty.

6. Butter Chicken in India

Indian butter chicken is another sauce that would mix well with your other components instead of garam masala. It tastes similar to tikka masala but isn’t as complicated. Make a delicious dinner by using it in your meals. Spices, yogurt, fresh ginger, lemon juice, and chicken are used to make it. Then, in a blender, mix them until they’re powdered. You may use it to prepare vegetable stews or cook meats such as steak or lamb.

8. Cloves, Fenugreek, and Cinnamon

You can replace Garam masala with a mixture of cinnamon, fenugreek, and cloves. Please place them in a small saucepan over low heat, and then make a fine powder in a blender. The spices’ smells will mingle together to create a pleasant combination. It goes well with vegetables, meat stews, poultry, and anything else that calls for garam masala.

9. Curry leaves, mustard seeds, and coconut

Last but not least, we have a curry leaf, mustard seed, and coconut combo. A teaspoon of shredded coconut, a teaspoon of mustard seeds, and 12 curry leaves are all you need. All you have to do is cook them in a skillet over low heat until they’re powdered. It goes well with fish, sauces, salad dressings, and other garam masala-based dishes.

10. Mixture of spices

You may substitute a few additional spices for garam masala in your recipe. You can mix and match:

• 12 tsp cumin roasted with black peppercorns
• 3 tbsp. Coriander, 1 tbsp. cinnamon
• 14 part cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon powder

You may enhance the flavor’s richness and depth by toasting the spices before producing the powder, making it even more delightful.

Related Questions

Is curry powder the same as Garam Masala?

Garam masala and curry have one thing in common: they’re both spices often used in cooking. Although both are blends of spices, garam masala has a more robust flavor than curry. Both can be substituted for one another in the kitchen.

Is Garam Masala required?

Garam masala is a spice that is often used to enhance the flavor and aroma of food. It may not be regarded as required, but it is beneficial to utilize to enhance your food’s flavor.

Can I substitute tikka masala for garam masala?

Yes, you certainly can. Even though tikka masala is a special meal, you may substitute it for garam masala. It can be used as a tomato sauce or mixture with other ingredients.

Homemade Garam Masala

Ingredients 

• 1 tsp. cumin powder
• 12 teaspoon black pepper, ground
• 12 teaspoon clove powder
• 12 teaspoon coriander powder
• One teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 12 teaspoon nutmeg powder
• 12 teaspoon cardamom powder

Instructions

After you’ve gathered all of the ingredients, combine them in a bowl. Once all of the spices have been combined, please put them in an airtight jar in a dry, cold location.