Alpha Gal Friendly Garam Masala
Warm, aromatic, and deeply layered, this homemade spice blend is the kind of thing that transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into something that smells like it took all day. Toasting whole coriander, cumin, peppercorns, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and bay leaves in a dry skillet coaxes out oils and complexity that no pre-ground powder can match. The optional fennel seeds add a subtle sweetness, while freshly grated nutmeg rounds out the finish with a gentle warmth. For anyone navigating alpha-gal syndrome, store-bought spice blends can be a quiet source of worry — some contain additives or are processed on shared lines with animal-derived ingredients — so grinding your own from whole botanicals keeps things clean and completely plant-based. The technique here is straightforward: toast, cool, grind, and sift out the cardamom husks for a silky, uniform powder. Stored in an airtight jar away from heat and light, a single batch stays potent for up to three months, ready to season everything from roasted vegetables to lentil dishes to rice pilafs.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
16 servings
- 3 tbsp coriander seeds
- 1 tbsp cumin seeds
- 1 tbsp black peppercorns
- 1 tsp green cardamom pods
- 1 tsp whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick (about 3 inches)
- 2 dried bay leaves
- ½ tsp fennel seeds (optional)
- ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
Instructions
- 1
Combine the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and fennel seeds (if using) in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat. Toast, stirring frequently, until the spices are fragrant and the coriander seeds turn a shade darker, about 3–4 minutes. Watch closely — the cloves and cardamom can scorch quickly.
- 2
Transfer the toasted spices to a plate and let them cool completely, about 5 minutes, so residual heat does not create steam in the grinder.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!