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23 Delicious Recipes Using Garam Masala

Updated: Oct 3, 2023 · Published: Sep 22, 2023 by Aneesha Gupta · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · Leave a Comment

If you're a fan of Indian cuisine, you've likely encountered the aromatic spice mix called garam masala. This enchanting blend of warm and floral spices is the secret behind the unforgettable flavors of many Indian dishes. Here's the ultimate collection of 23 Indian Recipes Using Garam Masala. Also includes a quick 5-minute homemade garam masala recipe.

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What is Garam Masala

Garam masala is a quintessential spice blend used in Indian cooking. The name "garam masala" translates to "warm spice". It is a warming spice mix that combines a harmonious blend of aromatic spices, each contributing its unique flavor profile.

These spices are typically dry-toasted and then ground to a powder, creating a balanced, fragrant, and deeply flavorful blend.

Garam Masala Recipe: Here you can find the detailed recipe for garam masala, and some common garam masala substitutes.

Recipes Using Garam Masala

Get ready to spice up your kitchen with these aromatic and flavor-packed recipes. They're easy to make and taste better than any takeout, thanks to the flavor-packed spices used:

1. Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori chicken drumsticks with lime wedges

Tandoori Chicken (Restaurant-Style)

An easy tandoori chicken recipe featuring succulent chicken legs marinated in an authentic spiced yogurt blend, then baked or grilled to juicy, smoky perfection.

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2. Paneer Tikka

three skewers of paneer tikka on black plate with chutney and onions on side

Paneer Tikka Recipe

This authentic Paneer Tikka recipe features tandoori-spiced crisp paneer and crunchy veggies prepared easily in the Air Fryer, Oven, or Grill.

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3. Chicken Biryani

Top shot of chicken biryani in black bowl with forks on the side

Instant Pot Chicken Biryani

This Instant Pot Chicken Biryani is a simplified, one-pot Indian meal, with tender chicken and fluffy basmati rice steam cooked with aromatic spices, caramelized onion and saffron.

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4. Chana Masala

Indian chickpeas curry called chana masala in steel bowl

Chana Masala

An easy and authentic Instant Pot recipe for a popular Indian chickpeas curry called Chana Masala, using dry or canned chickpeas. Enjoy it with cumin rice or naan.

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5. Tandoori Fish Tikka

Tandoori Fish Tikka on a black stone plate

Tandoori Fish Tikka

Tender fish marinated in a classic Indian tandoori masala and crisped to perfection in an air fryer or oven. Enjoy this low-carb dish with a side of cilantro chutney!

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6. Samosa

best samosas on serving platter with green and tamarind chutneys

Samosa Recipe - Air Fryer, Fried & Baked

Sharing my fail-proof samosa recipe with step-by-step instructions on the dough, filling and fold in the air fryer, oven or deep-fried.

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7. Chicken Seekh Kebab

5 skewers of chicken kebab on metal plates with cilantro and onion

Chicken Seekh Kebab (Kabab)

Chicken Seekh Kebab, or kabab, are flavorful ground meat croquettes, seasoned with warm Indian spices, then grilled in an air fryer or oven.

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8. Dal Tadka

Indian yellow lentils called dal tadka garnished with oil and cilantro

Dal Tadka | Dal Fry

Easy Instant pot recipe for a hearty and delicious Dal Tadka, or Dal Fry, with the option to make rice in the same pot. Ready in a little over 30 minutes!

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9. Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken tikka masala with naan and rice in black bowl

Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala is an easy one-pot pressure cooker recipe for an iconic Indian curry in which marinated chicken is cooked in a creamy tomato sauce.

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10. Paneer Tikka Masala

Cubes of paneer in tomato curry garnished with cilantro leaves

Paneer Tikka Masala in Instant Pot

In this easy Instant Pot Paneer Tikka Masala recipe, soft paneer cubes are simmered in an aromatic and mildly seasoned creamy tomato sauce and finished with a touch of heavy cream.

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11. Tandoori Salmon

two tandoori salmon steaks on gray plate with lime wedges

Tandoori Salmon

This Tandoori Salmon recipe is a quick, easy and healthy meal in which salmon fillets are rubbed with aromatic Indian spices, then cooked in an air fryer or oven.

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12. Coconut Fish Curry

Yellow fish curry in grey bowl with basil and mint leaves garnish

Coconut Fish Curry

30-minute Instant Pot recipe for Coconut Fish Curry, with tender fish and bell peppers cooked in a coconut milk sauce seasoned with warm Indian spices.

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13. Vegetable Korma

Assorted vegetables in yellow curry with side of paratha

Creamy Vegetable Korma

Vegetable Korma is a mildly-spiced, rich, and creamy curry that's loaded with colorful vegetables. Here's a 30-minute Instant Pot and stovetop recipe for this popular Indian delicacy.

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14. Lamb Korma

Lamb korma served in a bowl, garnished with a cilantro sprig

Creamy Lamb Korma (Instant Pot)

Easy Instant Pot recipe for Creamy Lamb Korma. Lamb stew meat is cooked in a creamy coconut sauce, seasoned with warm spices, and pressure-cooked to a melt-in-mouth perfection.

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15. Lamb Biryani

Lamb biryani in black bowl topped with cilantro

Lamb Biryani

Easy one-pot recipe for Lamb Biryani, an aromatic meat and rice dish from the Indian subcontinent, in which marinated lamb is cooked with basmati rice, fresh herbs & fried onions.

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16. Kadai Paneer

paneer and peppers stir-fry garnished with ginger strips and cilantro

Kadai paneer

20-Minute recipe for Kadai Paneer, a popular Indian dish made of paneer, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes cooked with a blend of aromatic spices.

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17. Kadai Chicken

Chicken Karahi

Kadai Chicken (Chicken Karahi)

Kadai Chicken is a spicy, semi-dry Indian curry featuring crunchy onions, peppers, ginger, and toasted spices. Enjoy this restaurant favorite with this 30-minute Instant Pot recipe.

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18. Paneer Kathi Roll

A stack of paneer kathi rolls

Paneer Kathi Roll (Paneer Frankie)

This Paneer Kathi Roll, or Paneer Frankie, is flavorful, aromatic, & totally delicious. Made with marinated paneer (cheese) & veggies wrapped in a crisp paratha in 30 minutes.

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19. Chicken Kathi Roll

Chicken kathi rolls wrapped in aluminum foil on a plate

Chicken Kathi Roll

These chicken kathi rolls are made with chicken marinated in creamy yogurt and spices, then rolled up in a crispy paratha with peppers, onions, and green chutney.

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20. Spinach Dal (Dal Palak)

lentils and spinach in black bowl with tempered ghee and Indian spices

Dal Palak / Spinach Dal in Instant Pot

This Dal Palak recipe is a blend of split lentils and baby spinach quickly prepared in the Instant Pot then tempered with sweet ghee and warm Indian spices.

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21. Palak Paneer

A clay bowl with palak paneer

Saag Paneer | Palak Paneer in Instant Pot

30-minute Instant Pot recipe for Palak Paneer, or Saag Paneer, a popular Indian curry made with soft paneer cubes simmered in a flavorful spinach gravy.

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22. Chana Saag

chana saag and cumin rice with sliced red onions in black bowl

Chana Saag (Curried Chickpeas and Spinach)

This Chana Saag recipe is a creamy chickpea curry finished with fresh, tender baby spinach prepared with pot-in-pot cumin rice, ready in 30 minutes!

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23. Saag Aloo

Indian spinach potato curry in a metal plate

Saag Aloo

Saag aloo, a flavorful and comforting north-Indian spinach curry with potatoes. Here's an easy 30-minute recipe for the Instant Pot or stove.

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Create Your Homemade Garam Masala

Now, the moment you've been waiting for – making your very own garam masala at home! Here's a simple recipe to get you started. Simply combine the following spices:

2 teaspoons coriander powder
1 teaspoon cumin powder
¼ teaspoon green cardamom powder
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Frequently Asked Questions

What is garam masala made of?

While the garam masala recipe varies based on region or the cook's preference, this spice blend typically is made of coriander, cumin, cardamom, cloves, black pepper, cinnamon, bay leaves, fennel seeds, and nutmeg.

What does garam masala taste like?

Garam masala is a blend of warm and aromatic spices that add a unique flavor to this blend. It is a combination of warm, earthy, slightly sweet and floral flavors.

What can you use garam masala in?

Garam Masala can be used to make a variety of Indian appetizers, grilled entrees, lentils, curries, and vegetable stir-frys, called Sabzi.

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