Garam Masala Powder

A classic Indian blend of whole spices toasted and ground together. It smells sweet and resinous rather than hot, cardamom and cinnamon at the front, clove and nutmeg beneath, with fennel and star anise giving a faint licorice edge.

Cumin and coriander provide the earthy body, black pepper subtle heat, and green and black cardamom the sweet aromatic lift. Cinnamon and cloves add warmth and intensity, nutmeg and mace gentle sweetness, and bay leaves, fennel and star anise the herbal and mildly sweet undertones.

How to use it

Garam masala is added towards the end of cooking rather than at the start, so its fragrance survives. Stir half a teaspoon into curries, lentils, rice dishes, roasted vegetables, marinades and soups in the last few minutes. Technique tip: if a finished dish tastes flat, a pinch of garam masala off the heat will do more for it than more salt, because the aromatics are volatile and register immediately in the steam rising off the pot.

The shaker jar

The jar option is packed in a clear 8 oz shaker jar made from lightweight, food-safe PET, so the colour and texture of the blend are visible at a glance. The flip-top cap opens to a three-hole sifter for an even sprinkle straight over the pan, the grill or the plate, and closes again with a simple press. A pressure-sensitive liner seals the jar until first use, and the fitted cap keeps the blend fresh between uses. When a recipe calls for a measured spoonful, simply unscrew the cap; the wide mouth takes a teaspoon with ease. Once empty, the jar is easy to refill with your next Ameen blend and makes a practical home for dried herbs, chilli flakes, sesame seeds or homemade rubs. Hand wash only.

Details

Also known as

Indian Warm Spice Blend, Masala, Mixed Spices, गरम मसाला, جارام ماسالا