Garam masala and coriander powder are both essential for making curries and other dishes from a wide array of different cuisines. Here is a comparative study on garam masala vs coriander powder, highlighting their ingredients, health benefits, uses, etc. Let’s begin!
Garam Masala vs Coriander Powder: Ingredients
Garam masala is a blend of various spices. Every household has its own recipe, but the base spices are always the same. The main ingredients used in making garam masala are:
- Coriander seeds
- Cumin seeds
- Green cardamoms
- Cloves
- Black peppercorns
- Cinnamon stick
Now, here are some optional ingredients that we recommend you use for aroma and flavor:
- Black cardamoms
- Star anise
- Mace
- Bay leaves
- Fennel seeds
- Nutmeg
- Ginger powder
You don’t have these ingredients in your kitchen? No worries, it is possible to order Indian grocery online.
Let’s come to the ingredients of coriander powder now. You probably guessed from the name that the star ingredient in this spice is coriander seeds. Coriander seeds are yielded from the cilantro plant.
Once the cilantro plant flowers, it will produce seed pods, each of which contains two seeds. You can harvest the seeds after they turn light brown. Although you can harvest them when they are green for a sharper flavor.
Garam Masala vs Coriander Powder: Method Of Preparation
It is extremely easy to make spice blends at home, and the process only takes 20 minutes. But before you begin the cooking process, here are some things you need to do to prep for it.
- Wipe the bay leaves and cinnamon stick to clean dirt off their surfaces.
- Pick off any stones or debris from the spices.
- Check the nutmeg for worms.
Make sure the spices are clean for better flavors and a longer shelf life.
See the step-by-step recipe for homemade garam masala and coriander powder.
Garam Masala Recipe
The ingredients you need for this recipe are:
- ½ cup coriander seeds
- 1 tbsp black peppercorns
- Two-inch cinnamon sticks
- 2 tbsp green cardamoms
- ¼ cumin seeds
- 2 tbsp cloves
- 2-3 black cardamoms
- 1 tbsp fennel seeds
- 2-4 bay leaves
- 1-star anise
- Mace (optional)
- 2g Small nutmeg (optional)
Cooking instructions:
- Take a pan and place it on low-medium heat. Roast all spices individually until aromatic and transfer them to a plate to cool off.
- Once cool, transfer the spices to a jar and blend them into a smooth powder.
- Garam masala has a fine texture so sieve the mixture and blend the coarse particles again.
- Store in an airtight container and keep in a dry place.
Coriander Powder Recipe
You will only need coriander seeds for this recipe. The quantity depends on the batch size. We recommend making it in small batches as it starts to lose flavor after a while.
Cooking instructions:
- Take a heavy bottom pan and put it on medium flame.
- Add the coriander seeds to the pan and roast them till the seeds change slightly in color and become aromatic.
- Keep stirring the seeds because they burn easily, and roast all the seeds evenly.
- Transfer them to a plate and let them cool down.
- Once they are at room temperature, transfer them to a spice grinder or food processor and blitz them to a fine powder.
- Store it in an airtight container to lock in the flavor and aroma.
Here is a video recipe for making coriander powder at home.
Garam Masala vs Coriander Powder: Taste
Garam masala has a hint of sweetness due to the addition of cinnamon. It is mildly spicy but not hot. It has a savory flavor, and you will taste notes of peppercorns and cloves.
According to Chef Sanjeev Kapoor: “Nothing beats the aroma and taste of freshly ground Garam Masala.”
You can add this blend of warm spices to many curries for a wonderful aroma.
Coriander powder has a pungent citrusy scent. It has a zingy taste, which is reminiscent of lemon. It is mildly sweet and has floral undertones.
Chaat masala, another masala used popularly in street foods, has a distinct sour and spicy taste with a tinge of sweetness. Read this article on chaat masala and garam masala to find out their similarities and differences.
Health Benefits Of Garam Masala And Coriander Powder
Homemade spice blends are always healthier than store-bought spices.
Here are the health benefits of making garam masala and coriander powder.
Coriander Seeds
Coriander seeds contain a compound called coriandrin that is proven to control lipid digestion and cholesterol! They are also rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, calcium, and many more nutrients. They help maintain blood glucose levels, and their anti-inflammatory properties help with skin problems.
Garam Masala
Garam masala is made of warming spices that raise the temperature of the body. The intensity of spices helps in improving digestion. Cardamoms help in regulating blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart problems.
It is rich in antioxidants and reduces inflammations.
Ras el hanout, the king of spice blends, also has many health benefits. Read this article on garam masala vs ras el hanout for a detailed comparison between them.
Garam Masala vs Coriander Powder: Their Uses
Coriander powder is present in a plethora of recipes. There are many ways to use it in Indian as well as western cuisine. It can be paired with garam masala, turmeric powder, cumin powder, or other aromatics like ginger, garlic, chilies, etc.
Garam masala is commonly used as a marinade to impart flavor to raw meat. It is also added as a garnish to many dishes to give them that extra oomph. It is added at the end because the spices are already cooked during the roasting process.
Madras curry powder is also an important masala in Indian cuisine. Check out this article on madras curry powder vs garam masala to know more about them.
Here are some commonly asked questions on garam masala vs coriander powder, which will help you understand their uses!
Is Garam Masala Like Coriander Powder?
Garam masala has a much more complex flavor profile than coriander powder, as it contains a lot more spices. Although, you can use it as a substitute for ground coriander because it is one of the ingredients in garam masala.
How To Know Coriander Powder And Garam Masala By Seeing?
You can tell coriander powder and garam masala apart based on their color. Coriander powder is light brown, whereas garam masala has a dark brown or reddish-brown color.
Is There Coriander In Garam Masala?
Yes, many recipes of garam masala call for the addition of ground coriander seeds. But, traditionally, it is not added to garam masala because it is added separately in many recipes.
