Gluten Free Garam Masala
Toasting whole spices in a dry skillet and grinding them fresh is the kind of kitchen move that instantly elevates everything it touches — curries, roasted vegetables, marinades, even a simple bowl of lentils. The warm, layered aroma that fills your kitchen when coriander, cumin, cloves, and cinnamon hit a hot pan is genuinely hard to beat. Store-bought spice blends can be a sneaky source of concern for anyone avoiding gluten, since some commercial products are processed on shared equipment or include anti-caking fillers — making a homemade batch from whole seeds and pods the cleanest possible route. Every ingredient here is naturally free of gluten, so you get full control with zero guesswork. The technique is straightforward: toast, cool, grind, and strain out any cardamom husks for a silky, uniform powder. A fine-mesh strainer is the small extra step that makes the texture genuinely professional. Stored in an airtight jar, this blend stays potent for up to three months and will quietly transform your everyday cooking.
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!