Hara Masala (Green Spice Mix)

Ingredients for garam masala
Yagi Studio / Getty Images
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 5 mins
Total: 10 mins
Servings: 8 servings

Masala—more formally known as "garam masala"—is a blend of ground spices common in India, Pakistan, and other South Asian countries. The spice blend is perfect as a base for fish, chicken and pork dishes, such as fish hara green masala and chops hara masala, a popular Indian pork recipe. 

Though this blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, peppercorns, and cumin is traditionally used for Indian foods, "recently, chefs have started adding garam masala to marinades, salad dressings, and other dishes," according to NPR's Monica Bhide. "Garam" means "heat" in Hindi, one of the main official languages spoken in India, but the masala spice blend is not actually hot. "It means that the spices raise the heat of the body by raising the metabolism," Bhide notes. For that reason, you'll often find this spice blend simply referred to as "masala" in many Indian recipes. "Hara," by the way, means "green" in Hindi.

The recipe for this masala is a bit of a variation on the traditional blend. You'll use fresh mint to brighten the flavor, garlic, and onion to give the blend a bit of a bite and, in this case, chilies to add heat to the blend. Ironically, you'll really be able to call this version "garam" masala, because you'll be adding as much heat to the mix as you like through the use of the chilies. One other variation here on the traditional masala recipe is the addition of poppy seeds, which add texture to the blend.

Ingredients

  • 2 bunches of coriander (1/4 pound/250 grams, roots removed)
  • 1 bunch mint (approximately 100 grams or 1/5 pound)
  • 1 pod garlic (10 to 15 cloves)
  • 3-inch piece ginger (fresh)
  • 4 or 5 green chilies (to taste)
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 sticks cinnamon (2 inches each)
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 6 cloves​

Steps to Make It

Making the Masala

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Rough-cut the coriander and mint leaves.

  3. Peel and mince the garlic.

  4. Mince the ginger and chilies into small pieces.

  5. Dice the onion into small pieces.

  6. Grind all of the ingredients into a smooth paste.

  7. Add water if required to facilitate grinding or to ensure a smooth texture.

  8. Use immediately, or place the mix in an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place for up to six months.

  9. Enjoy!

Tips

  • You can―but do not have to―dry-roast some of the ingredients, which will help remove moisture and make the seeds and cloves crispier, so they are easier to grind.
  • If you choose this method, roast the garlic, ginger, cinnamon, poppy seeds, and cloves.
  • Follow the previous directions for preparing the garlic and cloves.
  • Add these ingredients to a heavy-bottomed skillet, and toast the mix over medium heat, stirring continuously to avoid burning the small pieces.
  • Remove the ingredients and set them aside for five to 10 minutes to cool before grinding.
  • You can also use a grinder to grind the ingredients.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
123 Calories
2g Fat
25g Carbs
6g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving
Calories 123
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 2g 2%
Saturated Fat 0g 1%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 36mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 25g 9%
Dietary Fiber 5g 17%
Protein 6g
Calcium 221mg 17%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)