15 Best Indian Recipes with Garam Masala
Garam masala, which literally means hot (garam) spice (masala), is a popular spice blend used throughout India and neighbouring countries too. It is a powder made of more than 10 types of spices, and is added in small quantities at the end of the cooking process, or along with the tempering.
While garam masala of different brands are easily available in the market, enjoy our Basic Garam Masala Recipe which is easy to prepare at home. You can make it and keep store it refrigerated for prolonged use.
Punjabi Garam Masala
Every cuisine has a special ingredient, which gives it its characteristic flavour and aroma. If you think of Chinese cuisine, the five-spice powder comes to mind, for Bengali cuisine, there is the panch-phoron, for South Indian cooking, there is the sambhar masala, and when it comes to north Indian food, garam masala wins hands-down!
This Indian spice is a key ingredient in many recipes. It has such a strong aroma and flavour that even a small quantity is enough to lift up the taste of any recipe.
Watch the video on How to make Garam Masala and try our ever popular recipes using Garam Masala.
Garam Masala
Uses of Garam Masala in Indian Cooking
1. Indian Sabzis are on the top of the list when we talk about the use of garam masala. No other recipe than Paneer Tava Masala can justify the use of garam masala in North Indian cuisine. The aroma and flavour are undoubtedly enhanced by cooking it on the tava – try it to believe us!
Paneer Tava Masala, Punjabi Tawa Paneer Masala Recipe
2. Bhindi Masala is one of the 15 recipes using Garam Masala. The paste of this sabzi has a host of spices and one of them is garam masala. When it roasted with onions, garlic and coriander, the paste turns out to the truly enticing. Do try this stuffed bhindi recipe.
Bhindi Masala
3. Turn towards North-west, is the state of Rajasthan. Garam masala is used in one their traditional recipes – Moong Dal Kachori. It is the street food in this state. A flaky kachori from outside which is stuffed with moong dal and fried. They enjoy it as it is, without any accompaniment.
Moong Dal Kachori
4. Can you believe even Cheese Paratha makes use of this Indian spice powder. Along with chilli and chaat masala, it adds the perfect flavour to the processed cheese. No wonder cheese paratha is such a popular recipe world over.
Cheese Paratha
5. Have you tried Masala Bread Loaf? Try this aromatic and flavourful bread, it is loaded with herbs and spices and topped with melted butter for that perfect finish. Enjoy it warm!
Masala Bread Loaf
6. Mumbai’s very famous Veg Frankie, gets its colour and flavour because of garam masala as one It’s is main ingredient. This recipe is famous on the streets of Mumbai. The roti is cooked with butter, lined with masala water and stuffed with aloo stuffing. It has the perfectly balanced textures and exciting flavours of ingredients.
Veg Frankie, Mumbai Roadside Recipe
7. Indian cooking has a lot to explore with garam masala. The Indian Style Veg Burger, is no exception to this. A small quantity of garam masala is enough to make the aloo tikki of this burger burst with flavour. Follow the recipe and make it in your own kitchen with love for your loved ones.
Vegetable Burger Indian Style
8. Ah! The flavours of Paneer Pulao. This is succulent paneer used to make a tantalizingly flavourful rice delicacy.
Paneer Pulao, Quick Paneer Pulao Recipe
9. Dals are also made flavourful with the use of Garam Masala. Try this Spicy Mixed Dal. This is true delicacy to enjoyed on festivals and occasions. It is made with minimum and the most basic ingredients yet the outcome is too good and no compromise on the taste.
Spicy Mixed Dal
10. The Chilli Paneer Dosa is sure to be every kids favourite. It is not just the garam masala which adds that hint of flavours, but also the spicy sauce, tomato ketchup and soy sauce. Next time you have left over paneer and dosa batter, try this fusion of north and south Indian cuisine.
Paneer Chilli Dosa,
11. How can we miss tikkis and kebabs, when we talk of Indian masalas and recipes? Right from famous Makai Galotui Kebab to unique ones like Suran Chana Dal Tikkis makes use of garam masala.
Makai Galouti Kebab
Make them and serve with our very much Indian Green Chutney.
Suran Chana Dal Tikkis
12. Gujarati’s like their food spiced too. Garam masala though not a part of their ‘masala dabba’, it is used exquisitely in their cooking. Gujarati Masala Bhaat, also known in gujarati as ‘khari bhaat” is the best example of this.
Gujarati Masala Bhaat, Khaari Bhaat
13. Chole Tikki Chaat, the famous roadside Delhi food, makes use of garam masla too. It is, in fact, a lip-smacking snack enjoyed all over India. Learn how to make it at home. You can make this in advance and assemble it just before serving.
Chole Tikki Chaat
14. On a rainy day try quick-fix snack like Peanut Bhajiya. Served with sweet chutney and green chutney, these Peanut Pakodas are like a dream come true, and the only reaction you can expect from your family and friends is: “More, Please!”
Peanut Pakoda
15. Indians have the art of blending different cuisines to suit their taste. This Baked Pav Bhaji Pasta is the best example of this. It’s a blend of Indian and Italian cuisine. Topped with loads of cheese and baked to perfection, it is beyond doubt tongue-tickling.
Baked Pav Bhaji Pasta, Pav Bhaji Pasta