Garam masala - with its carefully crafted balance of hot, smoky, fruity and sweet spices - is one of India's most popular spice blends. I use this north Indian masala mix nearly every day in my kitchen to add warm, aromatic, earthy notes to dishes ranging from curries and sabzis (vegetable side dishes) to rice recipes, dal and roasted vegetables.
If you don't already have a jar of garam masala in your kitchen cupboard you can try my easy recipe for an authentic, homemade garam masala spice blend. Or buy it at your favorite Indian store. A single jar can provide you with so many delicious meals and the spices in garam masala, including cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, black pepper and cumin, are not just tasty - they are really, really good for you!
Over the years I've shared with you more than 100 recipes made with garam masala and in this roundup I have compiled 20 of my favorites ranging from quick and easy meals to casseroles and curries. I hope you will find something you will come to love here. To learn more about individual spices and how they can enhance your Indian meals, be sure to read my complete guide to Indian spices and their uses.
This vegan tofu tikka masala riffs off from paneer tikka masala, a popular Indian restaurant dish where cubes of paneer, an Indian cottage cheese, are added to an appetizing red sauce.
Whether you love okra or hate it with a passion, you will love this spicy-sweet-tangy bhindi masala. This north Indian stir fry is at once sweet, spicy and tangy. You don't even have to fry the okra for my recipe!
Take a few minutes to toss the ingredients into a crockpot and let it do all the hard work needed for this a delicious, cozy and nourishing dinner.
This easy vegan pepper chicken recipe is very beginner friendly. It's ready in under 30 minutes but it's so flavorful, you could pretend you've been cooking it all day!
This Goan style cashew curry is made with whole cashews cooked to delectable, toothsome tenderness. Reader Bob says it makes the whole house smell amazing!
The versatility of garam masala, a north Indian spice mix, is perfectly showcased in this delicious and spicy south Indian Chettinad Mushroom Masala.
In this nourishing rice pilaf, nutty garbanzo beans, peanuts and veggies like bell peppers and squash fleck garam-masala-spiced brown rice.
I make this vegan Indian spiced tofu casserole in the morning and we eat it all through the day, it's that delicious and versatile!
This vegan version of Punjabi butter chicken features tofu in a creamy, luscious cashew sauce. Ava says it's the "most delicious dish I have ever made."
A zesty, mouthwatering tomato onion sauce coats perfectly cooked potatoes and cauliflower florets. It is easy, healthy, pantry-friendly, and perfect with dal and rice.
I give this classic Indian favorite a healthy makeover by tossing the ramen noodles with lots of veggies and garam masala. It's a kid-friendly dinner that takes just 15 minutes!
This deeply satisfying, one-pot dish is what I rustle up when I want a hearty, nourishing curry in a hurry. It's easy and delicious, with a creamy coconut milk sauce.
A delightful fusion of Indian and Italian ingredients! Make this curried spaghetti in one pot in under 30 minutes for a nourishing, satisfying dinner.
I make this potato curry to serve with a simple khichdi or jeera rice. It needs just a few pantry ingredients and comes together quickly, but it is so satisfying and healthy.
Roasted and shredded jackfruit is tossed with garam masala and tomato paste to make a delicious filling for these one-of-a-kind veggie burgers!
I switch out paneer for tofu in my restaurant-style vegan palak paneer, a north Indian dish of pureed spinach. You won't miss the paneer and the tofu adds lots of healthy protein.
Dhaba dal has so much delicious flavor from a few spices and three varieties of legumes. Its smooth, creamy, indulgent texture belies just how healthy this dal actually is.
This vibrant Goan style vegetable vindaloo has a vibrant, spicy sauce. The garam masala is optional because it's not local, but use it for even more flavor.
Take this vegan keema masala to a potluck and watch it disappear in minutes. Jane says her meat-loving husband couldn't believe it was vegan!
This tasty masala khichdi is loaded with veggies and you can make it with brown rice if you want to. You can make it in one pot on the stove or in the Instant Pot.
Make your own authentic garam masala in 10 minutes
It's head and shoulders above any store-bought version and will add so much flavor to your food!
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Ib Knutsen says
Can’t wait to try some of them! 🙏