• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Whisk Affair
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Indian Recipes
  • Meal Type
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Appetizers
    • Main Course
    • Desserts
  • My Cookbook
    • My E-Books
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Indian Summer Beverages
  • Buy my Cookbook
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Whisk Affair » Recipes » Spice Mixes » Kerala Garam Masala Powder

    Published: May 18, 2023 | Last Updated On: Sep 13, 2023 by Neha Mathur | This post may contain affiliate links. I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Kerala Garam Masala Powder

    476 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    A fine mix of roasted spices like black peppercorns, star anise, nutmeg, and more, Kerala Garam Masala Powder changes your ordinary curry or dal in a whiff! Use it in Kerala-style recipes or regular recipes (vegan, gluten-free).

    Kerala style garam masala powder served in a bowl.
    Jump to:
    • About Kerala Garam Masala
    • Ingredients
    • How To Make Kerala Style Garam Masala
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • You Might Also Like
    • Recipe Card

    About Kerala Garam Masala

    Kerala Garam Masala Powder is the Kerala version of the popular Indian spice mix, garam masala. It is immensely used in Kerala recipes and it is known to have quite a fantastic taste.

    Made with a mix of roasted fennel seeds, cloves, black peppercorns, cinnamon, nutmeg, star anise, and green cardamoms, a pinch of this spice powder is enough to transport you to the seventh heaven with its flavors.

    No Malabar recipe is complete without a dash of homemade garam masala sprinkled over it.

    This spice mix is super easy to make and you can easily double or triple the recipe.

    It is vegan and gluten-free too.

    Here are some more spice mixes, that you can make at home and store for later use

    • Tikka Masala Powder
    • Chaat Masala
    • Dabeli Masala
    • Chai Masala
    • Sandwich Masala
    • Achari Masala
    • Thandai Masala Powder
    • Sambar Powder
    • Cajun Spice Mix
    • Oregano Seasoning

    Ingredients

    Kerala garam masala ingredients 1
    Kerala garam masala ingredients 2

    You will need fennel seeds (saunf), cloves (laung), black peppercorns (kali mirch), cinnamon (dalchini), star anise (chakri phool), mace (javitri), green cardamoms (hari elaichi) and nutmeg (jaiphal) to make this masala.

    Make sure the whole spices are of the best quality.

    Buy the spices from a trusted seller. Sometimes the oils have been extracted from the spices and the poor quality stuff is sold in markets.

    How To Make Kerala Style Garam Masala

    Dry roast

    • ¼ cup fennel seeds
    • 30-35 cloves
    • 30-35 whole black peppercorns
    • 2 cinnamon sticks, crushed
    • 1 whole star anise
    • 50-55 whole green cardamoms
    • 1 whole nutmeg, crushed
    • 1 whole mace flower

    on low heat until they are slightly browned and fragrant, stirring continuously.

    All the spices added to a pan.
    Roasted spices.

    Remove the pan from heat and let the roasted ingredients cool completely.

    Add them to a grinder and grind them to make a fine powder. Store the garam masala in an airtight container for up to a month.

    Roasted spices added to a grinder.
    Ready Kerala garam masala.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is Kerala-style garam masala different from its north Indian counterpart?

    The main difference is in the type and quantity of spices used in each blend. North Indian garam masala typically contains spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cumin, and black pepper, while Kerala-style garam masala uses more black pepper and includes spices such as fennel seeds, star anise, and mace.

    You Might Also Like

    • Kerala Style Chicken Stew is a traditional dish from the state of Kerala (India). It is a mild chicken curry prepared using bone-in chicken, veggies, spices, and coconut milk. Make it using my easy recipe and serve it with steamed rice, appam, or hoppers.
      Traditional Kerala Style Chicken Stew
    • Kerala Prawn Curry (Chemmeen Curry) is a delicious Kerala-style shrimp curry that can be made with or without coconut. Make this flavorful curry using my easy recipe (gluten-free, dairy-free).
      Kerala Shrimp Curry (Chemmeen Curry)
    • Kerala Style Fish Molee (Meen Molly, Kerala Fish Stew, Fish Moile) is a rich and creamy Kerala-style curry where fish is cooked in a subatly spiced coconut-based gravy. Serve it with appam or steamed rice for a hearty meal.
      Kerala Style Fish Molee (Meen Molly, Kerala Fish Stew)
    • Kerala Style Egg Curry (Mutta Curry) is a spicy egg curry made in almost all Keralan homes. It can be made with or without coconut milk. Serve it with appam or rice for a hearty meal (gluten-free).
      Kerala Style Egg Curry (Mutta Curry)

    Recipe Card

    Loved this recipe?Click here to leave a review and give us a five star rating ★★★★★
    A fine mix of roasted spices like black peppercorns, star anise, nutmeg, and more, Kerala Garam Masala Powder changes your ordinary curry or dal in a whiff! Use it in Kerala-style recipes or regular recipes (vegan, gluten-free).

    Traditional Kerala Garam Masala Powder Recipe

    A fine mix of roasted spices like black peppercorns, star anise, nutmeg, and more, Kerala Style Garam Masala Powder changes your ordinary curry or dal in a whiff! Use it in Kerala-style recipes or regular recipes.
    3.95 from 17 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Spice Mix
    Cuisine: Indian
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 20 servings
    Calories: 15kcal
    Author: Neha Mathur

    Ingredients 

    • ¼ cup fennel seeds (saunf)
    • 50-55 whole green cardamoms (hari elaichi)
    • 30-35 whole black peppercorns (kali mirch)
    • 2 cinnamon sticks (dalchini) (crushed)
    • 1 whole mace flower (javitri)
    • 1 whole nutmeg (jaiphal) (crushed)
    • 1 whole star anise (chakri phool)
    • 30 – 35 cloves (laung)
    US Customary or Metric
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Dry roast all the ingredients on low heat until they are slightly browned and fragrant, stirring continuously.
    • Remove the pan from heat and let the roasted ingredients cool completely.
    • Add them to a grinder and grind them to make a fine powder. Store the garam masala in an airtight container for up to a month.

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZabTYfjbiqI

    Notes

    Always roast the ingredients on low heat for best flavors.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 15kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 53mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 0.7mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 0.7mg
    Pin this recipe for later use!I LOVE to see your creations so pin and mention @WhiskAffair!
    Sign up for regular updates?I would love to have you as part of my journey. Click to sign up!

    More Spice Mixes

    • Garlic Parmesan Seasoning is a super versatile seasoning you would want to use on everything. It elevates the taste of any dish in a wink. Make it using my easy recipe (vegetarian, gluten-free)
      Garlic Parmesan Seasoning
    • This Homemade Spaghetti Seasoning is the secret ingredient you need to enhance the taste of your pasta. Not only in pasta, but you can also use it in soups, pizzas, sauces, etc. Try my easy recipe here (vegan, gluten-free).
      Homemade Spaghetti Seasoning
    • Egyptian Pistachio Dukkah Seasoning is a take on the classic spice blend that is a delicious combination of roasted nuts, spices, and seeds. Here is an easy recipe to make it (vegan, gluten-free).
      Egyptian Pistachio Dukkah
    • Chai Masala Powder (Masala Tea Powder, Masala Chai Spice Mix, Chai ka Masala) is a spice mix made using whole spices, dried rose petals, and fennel seeds. It is added to Indian milk tea (Masala Chai ) to make it strong and flavorful. Here is how to make it at home.
      Chai Masala (Indian Masala Tea Powder)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Did you make this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating





    1. Sandeep Menon

      July 28, 2020 at 9:41 am

      Good stuff.

      Reply
      • Neha Mathur

        August 02, 2020 at 1:13 pm

        Thanks

        Reply
    2. Shirley

      August 17, 2022 at 7:25 am

      Hai,
      All your recipes are too good.
      I just need one clarification.
      When I powder Fennel Seeds and Cardamom, it is not getting powdered completely.
      What to do? They always show up in the gravy and my husband doe not like that at all.
      Any suggestions?

      Reply
      • Neha Mathur

        August 17, 2022 at 7:41 am

        If you like a fine powder, then pass it through a fine-mesh strainer.

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hey! Nice to meet you

    Neha Mathur, Founder & Recipe Expert at Whisk Affair

    Hi! I’m Neha, Blogger & Recipe Expert behind Whisk Affair. I’ve nurtured Whisk Affair since 2012 by trying & testing every recipe published. Be sure that it will turn out good each time! Read More about me…

    Stay Connected

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    My Cookbook

    Neha's Cookbook Cover

    Click to Buy Now on Amazon

    Most Popular Recipes

    • Make this delicious restaurant-style Hibachi Fried Rice (Japanese Style Fried Rice) for a quick Asian-inspired meal. Serve it with Hibachi chicken and Yum Yum sauce and get transported to a Japanese Steakhouse.
      Best Hibachi Fried Rice (Japanese Style Fried Rice)
    • This oven-baked lemon garlic baked tilapia is super easy to make and comes together in under 20 minutes. It's low carb, gluten-free, keto-friendly, and very flavorful. Here is how to make it.
      Spicy Lemon Garlic Baked Tilapia
    • Creamy Garlic Parmesan sauce served in a bowl.
      Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
    • Lemon tea served in cups.
      Lemon Tea
    • Light, hearty and delicious, Chicken Clear Soup is super easy to make at home. It is made using simple ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes. This soul-soothing soup is gluten-free and low carb too.
      Chicken Clear Soup
    • Egg White Scramble is a healthy, fluffy, and delicious option for breakfast. Serve it with some toast and fruits and milk on the side. Here is how to make the best fluffy scrambled egg white recipe at home!
      Scrambled Egg Whites

    Summer Mango Recipes

    • Kacche Aam Ki Launji is a sweet and spicy chutney made using tangy green mangoes, jaggery, and a few simple spices. This chutney keeps good in the refrigerator for upto 3 months. So make a big batch and enjoy!
      Kacche Aam Ki Launji (Sweet & Spicy Raw Mango Chutney)
    • Learn How To Make Mango Pulp in under 5 minutes and use it round the year to make your favorite recipes.
      How To Make Mango Pulp (Mango Puree)
    • Green mango chutney is a spicy and tangy Indian accompaniment made using green mangoes. Serve it with an Indian snack or meals for a tangy treat.
      Green Mango Chutney (Raw Mango Chutney)
    • This Easy Mango Pico De Gallo is fruity, sweet, and spicy and comes together in under 10 minutes using simple ingredients. Serve it with nachos, chips, rice, or tacos for a perfect summer special accompaniment (vegan, gluten-free).
      Mango Pico De Gallo (Mango Salsa)
    • Mango Magic Tropical Smoothie is a delicious drink loaded with tropical flavors. Sip it for breakfast or for snacks (gluten-free, can be easily made vegan).
      Mango Magic Tropical Smoothie
    • Aam Panna (Tangy Raw Mango Drink) is a refreshing Indian summer beverage made using green raw mangoes. It is sweet, tangy, and bursting with beautiful flavors. Make it in an instant pot or a traditional pressure cooker (vegan, gluten-free).
      Aam Panna (Tangy Raw Mango Drink)

    Indian Beverages

    • Beaten Coffee (Indian Style Cappuccino) is a delicious foamy coffee drink popular in North Indian homes. It is served for all marriage functions, special occasions, or for everyday consumption at home. Make it using my easy recipe (vegetarian, gluten-free).
      Beaten Coffee (Indian Style Cappuccino)
    • Make Mango Frooti (a popular sweet and tangy mango drink) at home using my easy recipe. It tastes just like the store-bought one, minus the harmful colors and preservatives (vegan, gluten-free).
      Mango Frooti Drink
    • Kokum Juice (Kokum Sharbat) is a Konkani beverage made using dried kokum. It is a perfect drink to sip on hot summer days (vegan, gluten-free).
      Kokum Juice (Kokum Sharbat)
    • Mohabbat ka Sharbat is a refreshing Old Delhi-style summer drink. It has flavors from watermelon and rose syrup. Here is how to make it (vegetarian, gluten-free, and can be made vegan).
      Mohabbat Ka Sharbat
    • Sambaram (Morum Vellam) is Kerala-style spicy buttermilk made with yogurt, curry leaves, green chilies, and ginger. It is popularly served during Onam Sadhya with the festive spread (vegetarian, gluten-free).
      Sambaram (Morum Vellam, Kerala Style Buttermilk)
    • Kahwa is a Kashmiri tea flavored with cinnamon, cardamom, and saffron. It is a great drink to sip on cold winter days but can be had throughout the year. Here is how to make it at home.
      Kashmiri Kahwa Tea

    Footer


    ^ back to top

    About

    About Neha

    Diwali E-Book

    My Cookbook

    Stay Connected

    Sign up! for emails and updates

    Contact Me

    Policies

    Privacy Policy

    Terms & Conditions

    Accessibility Policy

    Whiskaffair has been featured in leading media including the huffington post, bloomberg quint, buzz feed, your story and many more

    Copyright © 2022 WhiskAffair Food LLP