10 Delicious Indian Dishes You Can Prepare Using Garam Masala
With this single aromatic spice blend, you can whip up a variety of irresistible Indian meals.
Garam masala is a rich mixture of ground spices, and it comes in many variations. The standard garam masala recipe typically includes cumin, coriander, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. This differs from Kashmiri garam masala, a dry-roasted blend that incorporates these seven spices along with bay leaves, fennel seeds, and mace; or tandoori masala, which adds garlic powder, ginger, fenugreek, and mace to the mix.
A key advantage of making garam masala at home is that you can adjust the proportions to suit your taste — for example, if you're not fond of cloves or cardamom, you can reduce their quantities. Of course, you can also find pre-made garam masala blends at most grocery stores.
Some of the recipes below call for garam masala along with additional spices, like cayenne pepper or chili powder, or they emphasize one or two particular spices that are part of the blend.
Chef John's Tandoori Chicken Masala
This recipe uses coconut milk instead of cream. Chef John describes it as an "American take on a British version of an Indian curry." While the true origins of chicken tikka masala are debated, its global fame is undeniable.
Alicia's Aloo Gobi
"Without a doubt, this is the simplest and tastiest curry I've ever made," says Alicia, the creator of the recipe. "It’s my unique twist on Aloo Gobi, a classic dry Indian dish made with potatoes and cauliflower. The addition of coconut milk gives it a richer, saucier texture. Pair it with basmati rice or, even better, with flatbreads like roti, naan, or pita."
Chicken Biryani
Aromatic basmati rice combined with tender chicken cooked in a flavorful sauce made from yogurt, vinegar, tomatoes, ginger paste, and a mix of spices.
Indian Dahl with Spinach
The rich sweetness of coconut milk complements the bold spices in this simple red lentil and spinach dahl. Garam masala is enhanced with turmeric, chili powder, and mustard seeds for an extra flavor boost.
Chef John's Tandoori Chicken
This is a simple twist on the traditional Indian recipe. It only takes 5 minutes to prep, and after marinating for 2 hours, it grills up in about 15 minutes. Watch Chef John show you how it's done!
Kima
You may also come across this ground beef curry under the names Keema or Khema.
Pro Tip: Try using this flavorful spicy meat mixture as a filling for samosas.
Veg Biryani
Here’s a vegetarian take on biryani, featuring fresh green beans, potatoes, and carrots.
Indian Butter Chicken (Makhani Chicken)
Despite the name, only 3 tablespoons of butter are used in this dish—one for the sauce and two for baking the marinated chicken. The combination of yogurt, tomato puree, garlic, cream, spices, and a hint of honey creates a rich and complex flavor profile.
Vegetarian Matar Paneer
This is a traditional vegetarian Indian dish featuring paneer cheese, peas, and tomatoes, spiced with garam masala and other Indian seasonings. "Yum!" says Melanie Lacaille. "One of my kids' favorite Indian meals, it pairs perfectly with rice or naan bread."
Palak Paneer Curry
Palak paneer is a classic Indian curry made with tender cubes of cheese simmered in a gently spiced spinach sauce. "This is a simple yet utterly delicious Indian curry," says Andreia. "It’s perfect when served with hot naan or roti."
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