This original garam masala recipe can make any dish delicious

If there is one ingredient that can change the game of cooking, it is Garam Masala. From adding that perfect pinch of spiciness to increasing the flavour, this masala can bring out the dept of a dish. It is the quintessential everyday Indian spice mix, which is predominantly used in making mouth-watering dishes like biryani, meat dishes and even dals. This homemade garam masala not just improves the flavour but adds an aroma to the dish, which can entice a person in eating the dish.

The whole spices used in making this masala are not used for the flavours or aroma but have been used for ages for various health benefits as well. Spices like cinnamon, black pepper, green cardamom, sage, turmeric, cayenne pepper, fenugreek have been known for their medicinal properties. Some of these spices have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While others can control your appetite and thus helping in weight maintenance. Not just that a few spices have Glucose-lowering effects as well. All in all, spices are used in everyday life to regulate health. (Images: istock)

To make the authentic garam masala at home, the whole spices used are - cumin seeds, black cardamom, cinnamon, coriander seeds, caraway seeds, clove, green cardamom, black pepper, mace, sage, nutmeg, star anise, bay leaf, and dried ginger.

There are several people who get confused between curry powder and garam masala powder. While curry powder is turmeric-based and a little spicier, garam masala is known to have a little sweet taste in it and is made without using turmeric. Another major difference between the two spice powders is that garam masala is often considered a finishing spice, while curry powder is added in the dish while it's still in the process.

All the whole spices have natural oils in them, which when left in open for a long time can lose their potency very quickly. You might have seen that garam masala lasts for a long time but loses its flavour over time and this is because of the natural oils only. In order to retain its flavour, it is required that garam masala be stored in an airtight jar and kept in a dark place.

In order to make the authentic garam masala at home, take all the whole spices mentioned in this article and dry roast them until you get an aroma on medium-high heat. Once done, let them cool a little and then add in a grinder jar. Grind these spices to a fine powder. Transfer in an air-tight container and use immediately. You can use this garam masala like this or even sift it in a sieve and then use it for dishes.Here’s how you can bring deliciousness to your food with the original Garam Masala recipe