Garam masala is a south Asian spice blend of cardamom, cinnamon, peppercorns, cloves, coriander seeds, nutmeg, and mace. These spices are toasted to bring out their sweet, earthy flavors. Garam masala is most commonly found in Pakistani, Nepalese, Indian, and Bangladeshi cuisine and is used in soups, curries, and dals.
Curry powder is the best substitute for garam masala because it gives a similar overall taste to garam masala.
Best Substitute for Garam Masala: Curry Powder
The best substitute for garam masala is curry powder. Curry powder is made from a blend of turmeric, coriander, chili peppers, and cumin.
Curry powder is the easiest garam masala substitute because it already exists as a blend. You won’t need to combine your own ingredients to replicate the depth of flavor provided by garam masala.
Although curry powder doesn’t capture the exact garam masala taste, curry powder still offers a similar flavor to garam masala that will enhance your Indian dishes.
There are several variations of curry powder. Avoid curry powders labeled “spicy,” as these won’t replicate the warming spices of garam masala.
Use curry powder as a direct garam masala substitute. Replace 1 teaspoon of garam masala with 1 teaspoon of curry powder. You can add curry powder at the same stage in the recipe.
Other Garam Masala Substitutes, Alternatives, and Replacements
Below, you will find a list of foods that can be used in place of garam masala.
Cumin and Allspice
Cumin and allspice are a quick spice blend that will replicate garam masala if you’re in a hurry. These spices mimic the warmth of the garam masala spice blend. Cumin has an earthy flavor, while allspice is a sweet blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.
To make this spice blend, you’ll need:
- 1 part cumin
- 1/4 part allspice
Combine the spices in a small bowl and stir to mix. Alternatively, add each spice directly to your dish and stir to incorporate.
Substitute equal parts cumin and allspice for garam masala. If a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of garam masala, use a tablespoon of the cumin and allspice blend.
This basic spice blend can replace garam masala in all savory dishes.
Chaat Masala
Chaat masala is an Indian spice blend made from cumin, coriander, amchoor (dried mango powder), dried ginger, black pepper, asafoetida chili powder, and salt. Although chaat masala doesn’t have the exact flavor as garam masala, it is similar.
Because of its ginger and mango powder, chaat masala is zingier and sourer than the garam masala spice blend.
You can buy chaat masala as a blend. If you have the right ingredients, you can also make chaat masala yourself. However, if you don’t have the ingredients for garam masala, you probably don’t have the ingredients for chaat masala because these are more exotic.
You should substitute garam masala for chaat masala on a 1:1 ratio. This spice blend is less warming than garam masala but can be used to add a sour element to any savory dish.
Sambar Masala
Sambar masala is another Indian blend of spices that is hot and fragrant. This blend has the same warming appeal as garam masala, making it a good garam masala substitute.
The spices that make up sambar masala can vary. Most commonly, a mix of mustard seeds, dry coconut, coriander seeds, black peppercorns, fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds, dry red chilies, and cinnamon are used.
Sambar masala can be purchased as a pre-made blend. This makes it one of the best garam masala substitutes as a quick replacement.
Garam masala can be substituted for sambar masala on a 1:1 basis. You can use sambar masala in curries, stews, and other Indian dishes.
Chicken Tikka Seasoning
Chicken tikka seasoning is used to make the popular Indian dish, chicken tikka masala. This seasoning blend contains several of the same ingredients as garam masala, including cinnamon, coriander, nutmeg, and cloves. These ingredients give chicken tikka seasoning a warm quality that’s similar to garam masala.
You can buy chicken tikka seasoning as a pre-made blend. Although this blend will give your dishes a distinct chicken tikka taste, it is sweet and earthy, making it one of the most suitable substitutes for garam masala.
You can replace 1 serving of garam masala with 1 serving of chicken tikka seasoning.
Cardamom, Cumin, Coriander
Even if you don’t have all the spices to make your own garam masala, you can still use a blend of several spices to create a similar flavor. Cumin, coriander, and cardamom work well as a basic homemade garam masala substitute.
Using only three spices, you won’t achieve the depth of flavor of a true garam masala blend. However, by combining the warming sweetness of cardamom with the earthy tones of cumin and coriander, you can achieve an almost identical taste.
To make this spice mix, you’ll need:
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
- ½ teaspoon green cardamom pods
Combine the ingredients in a blender or food processor. Use the powder as a 1:1 replacement for the garam masala spice.
Cinnamon, Clove, and Fenugreek
The ground spices of cinnamon, clove, and fenugreek can be used to recreate the flavor of garam masala. Cinnamon and cloves give a hint of sweetness, and fenugreek offers a bitter taste. This spice mix will give your dishes a tangier flavor than garam masala but is still a good substitute.
To make this blend, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon fenugreek
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
After combining the three ingredients in a blender or food processor, add them to any recipe that calls for garam masala. Use 1 tablespoon of this spice mix for every 1 tablespoon of garam masala required.
Curry Leaves, Coconut, and Mustard Seeds
You can achieve a similar flavor when replacing garam masala with a combination of mustard seeds, coconut, and curry leaves. Mustard seeds are spicy and slightly sweet. Desiccated coconut is also sweet, and curry leaves are tangy and intense. This spice mix is best for using as a sweet garam masala replacement.
For this recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 12 curry leaves
- 1 teaspoon desiccated coconut
Toss the spices in a pan on a low heat to bring out their flavor. Add the spices to a blender and combine to form a powder. You can use this mustard seed, curry leaf, and desiccated coconut blend in any recipe that requires garam masala.
Pumpkin Spice
Pumpkin spice is a prepackaged spice mix that is most popular in fall. Pumpkin spice is sweet and sharp and contains “warming” ingredients like clove, nutmeg, allspice, and cinnamon. These ingredients are responsible for giving garam masala its warming notes.
Pumpkin spice also contains ginger, so it will taste sharper than garam masala in savory dishes. Pumpkin spice doesn’t contain any earthy ingredients. You can add a sprinkle of cardamom or coriander seeds to your dish alongside pumpkin spice if you prefer an earthy taste.
