
Can we use garam masala instead of curry powder?
You can easily substitute Garam Masala for the same quantity of curry powder. It will give almost a similar flavor to the dish. Garam Masala is less strong than curry powder. Therefore, if you want a mild curry then you can put garam masala in it.
What are the best substitutes for garam masala?
The Best Substitutes for Garam Masala
- The easiest substitute: Curry Powder. Curry powder is a fairly generic term, seeing as there are so many varieties of curry. ...
- For South Asian authenticity: Chaat Masala or Sambar Masala. As Garam Masala is a mixture of spices, there’s nothing else quite like it. ...
- In a hurry: Cumin and Allspice. ...
- If nothing else: Pumpkin spice or Ras el Hanout. ...
What is a good substitute for curry powder?
What Can I Replace Curry Powder With?
- Garam Masala. This blend of spices is originally from South Asia, especially India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
- Cumin + Allspice. Cumin is one of those spices that works well in plenty of dishes, as it has an earthy, lemony, and slightly pungent flavor.
- Curry Paste. ...
- Chaat Masala. ...
- Tandoori Masala. ...
- Sambar Powder. ...
How to make homemade garam masala powder?
Steps on How to Make Garam Masala at Home
- In a pan add coriander seeds and roast them lightly. ...
- After roasting coriander, start roasting other spices until you start to smell their aroma and they start becoming smoky.
- Remove from heat and add in your coriander to the remaining spices.
- Allow all to cool down before blending them.

Can you use garam masala instead of mild curry powder?
Garam Masala In India the spice blend Garam Masala is used as a 'finishing spice' to add flavour at the end of cooking. But I like to use it interchangeably with curry powder when I want a milder flavour.
Can you swap curry powder for garam masala?
Garam Masala Substitutes If you're in a pinch and only have a few ingredients on hand, stick to tried and true curry powder as a good garam masala replacement. Curry powder doesn't have the same warming spices, but it does help to provide a nice amount of flavor depth to curry dishes.
Is garam masala just curry powder?
Both garam masala and curry powder are a blend of ground seasonings. They may contain some of the same spices, but they are not the same thing. Curry powder contains turmeric, while garam masala does not. This is why curry powder is often yellow-orange in color versus garam masala's reddish-brown hue.
What's the difference between curry powder and garam masala?
The main difference between garam masala and curry powder is that garam masala has a stronger flavour than curry powder. Furthermore, turmeric is a primary ingredient in curry powder; however, turmeric is not an ingredient in most garam masala blends.
What can I use if I don't have curry powder?
Cumin + Coriander + Turmeric + Ginger Using a teaspoon of each spice, you'll get a great blend that can stand up to the likes of curry powder. Adding a hint of cinnamon, ground cloves, pepper, and salt will perfect the mix.
What is a good substitute for curry powder?
Cumin and Allspice are a good blend that offers both the warmth and sweetness of curry powder. It will be a simpler flavor profile than curry but is still a great substitute for chicken dishes, soups, and sauces. Mix equal amounts of both cumin and allspice.
What do I use garam masala for?
Garam masala is best when added at the end of cooking and can even be sprinkled on a dish when serving. This mix can then be used in curries, lentils, soups or just sprinkled in some scrambled eggs.
What is garam masala substitute?
Cumin mixed with allspice: This two-part blend makes sense if you think about it. Allspice's flavor is reminiscent of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and pepper—mixed with cumin, that's a pretty darn good garam masala substitute. Just mix 1 part cumin with ¼ part allspice.
What is garam masala called in English?
Garam masala [from Hindustani گرم مصالحہ/गरम मसाला (garm masala, "hot spices")] is a blend of ground spices originating from India.
Is garam masala the same as curry?
Garam masala tends to have a stronger, sharper and more complex flavor based on the types of spices that are traditionally part of this blend. Curry powder is traditionally made with more mild spices. Garam masala generally does not include turmeric but turmeric tends to be a primary ingredient in curry powder.
How much garam masala do I add to a curry?
This everyday authentic garam masala has awesomely intense, fragrant flavors that will quickly improve your everyday dal, curry or sabzi. Since the masala is quite strong, I suggest adding only about ¼ – ½ teaspoon for every 4 to 5 servings in a recipe.
What is in curry powder made of?
Curry powders usually consist of turmeric, cumin, ginger, and black pepper. Some blends also incorporate garlic and cinnamon. What all curry powders share is a sweet warmth and pleasant pungency that adds a toasty depth to everything it touches.
What does garam masala taste like?
What does garam masala taste like? Garam masala is a warm, fragrant spice blend with lots of layers of flavor. Not every blend will taste the same, but you'll likely get hints of cinnamon, cloves or peppercorns. Try a pinch on roasted vegetables—you'll really taste it!
What is garam masala called in English?
Garam masala [from Hindustani گرم مصالحہ/गरम मसाला (garm masala, "hot spices")] is a blend of ground spices originating from India.
What is another name for garam masala?
Tandoori Masala. You'll notice that both of these terms have one word in common. “Masala” means “spice blend.” Garam and tandoori masalas are both flavorful, spicy mixes that are commonly used in Indian cuisines.
Is there a difference between curry powder and yellow curry powder?
To answer the question simply, yes there is a difference. Both of these curry powders have a lot of the same ingredients. There is Turmeric which gives them both that beautiful yellow color and then they both have cumin and fenugreek spices which adds the distinct flavor.
Garam Masala vs. Curry Powder
The word “garam” in Hindi means hot and “masala” means blended spices. Garam masala is generally used as a finishing spice for a dish and is stirred in after the dish has been cooked to preserve the robust and aromatic flavors of the spice blend.
Can garam masala be used as a substitute for curry powder or vice versa?
While both spice mixes do contain many of the same ingredients, the flavor profiles are noticeably different. For starters, turmeric does not have a particularly strong flavor. This means that the flavor of curry powder is usually relatively mild.
Is one of these spice mixes more readily available than the other?
Curry powder is more widely known in the western world and will usually be easier to find when compared to garam masala. Most grocery stores will have a selection of curry powders available on the spice aisle but pre-mixed garam masala may be harder to find.
Are both garam masala and curry powder easy to make?
Those who are confident enough to follow a recipe that may include the toasting and grinding of multiple spices should definitely try putting together their own curry powder and garam masala. Many of the spices used in these mixes are easy to find.
Can You Substitute Garam Masala For Curry Powder?
As a general rule, you should avoid using these two spices interchangeably as they will give your food different flavors.
Is Garam Masala And Curry Powder The Same Thing?
If you are not familiar with the diverse world of Indian spices, it will be easy to think that garam masala and curry powder are the same but that is not the case.
Final Words
Both curry powder and garam masala can offer you the flavor you want to have in your dish.
Madras Curry Powder Vs Garam Masala
Madras curry powder and garam masala are blended spice mixes that can be added to dishes to give them a spicy and aromatic kick.
Difference Between Garam Masala And Madras Curry Powder
One main difference between garam masala and madras curry powder is that curry powder is savorier and has a typical golden, yellowish color due to the use of turmeric.
Can I Use Garam Masala Instead Of Curry Powder?
Yes, you can use garam masala instead of curry powder, but keep in mind that your recipe may not have the expected taste.
Is Garam Masala The Same As Curry Powder?
No garam masala isn’t the same as curry powder. They are two separate spice blends.
Can You Use Garam Masala And Curry Powder Together?
Yes, garam masala can be used alongside madras curry powder. It may have a taste different from curry powder, but adding in curry gives your dish a delicious taste.
Which Is Hotter Red Or Green Curry?
Generally, red curry is a lot spicier and hot compared to green curry. So, if you can’t handle too much spiciness, you may want to keep away from red curry.
Substitutes for Garam Masala
On our list you’ll find the best replacement for garam masala and also we have made a separate list with a combination of spices that will also serve you well. Just scroll down and find out more about each of the spices and how to use them.
A mixture of Spices
Garam masala is a blend of more spices mixed together. Meaning, you can mix species yourself to imitate the taste and substitute in most recipes. We also have a list of all of the mixtures that will help in your cooking process.
10. Mixture of Spices
There are a few other combinations that may help you replace garam masala in your cooking. You can combine:
Homemade Garam Masala
Of course, we always offer the option for you to make your spices at home. All you’ll need are just spices and to blend them all together. From your spice cabinet, you’ll need:

Garam Masala vs. Curry Powder
Can Garam Masala Be Used as A Substitute For Curry Powder Or Vice versa?
- While both spice mixes do contain many of the same ingredients, the flavor profiles are noticeably different. For starters, turmeric does not have a particularly strong flavor. This means that the flavor of curry powder is usually relatively mild. Much of curry powder’s flavor is due to the fenugreek, cuminand other spices used in it and not the tu...
Is One of These Spice Mixes More Readily Available Than The other?
- Curry powder is more widely known in the western world and will usually be easier to find when compared to garam masala. Most grocery stores will have a selection of curry powders available on the spice aisle but pre-mixed garam masala may be harder to find.
Are Both Garam Masala and Curry Powder Easy to Make?
- Those who are confident enough to follow a recipe that may include the toasting and grinding of multiple spices should definitely try putting together their own curry powder and garam masala. Many of the spices used in these mixes are easy to find. Larger supermarkets will have many of them in stock and you should be able to find all of them in Indian stores. However, purc…