Garam Masala is the essential African spice used in African Indian cooking recipes. Garam Masala is the Indian equivalent of French herbs de Provence or Chinese five-spice powder. Traditionally, South African Indian recipes call for garam masala, a blend of seven spices, cumin, coriander, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

Spices give South African Indian cuisine its unique flavor and character. Most South African Indian recipes call for many different types of spices, many you may never have used.

Do not assume that these Indian spices are hard to find, most are to be found in your local supermarkets, and if you cannot find them there, visit the local Indian grocery store.

Garam masala is a strong spice mixture and is the heart of most Durban South African Indian dishes.

Homemade Indian Spice Garam Masala From Peppermint Africa

Ingredients

½ teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground cardamom

½ teaspoon ground cloves

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

Mix all spices in a bowl, place mix in an airtight container, and store in a cool, dry place for up to 2 months. Ground spices lose their favors faster than whole spices, the best way to use homemade garam masala is in small batches.

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