A Useful list of Indian Spice Blends

Following my post the Magic of Indian Spice Blends here is a useful list of Indian spice mixtures and spice blends I will probably add to this over time, it will be worth re-visiting the post to get the best out of your spices. below is a list of all kinds of spice mixtures that come in handy, especially if you want to just jump into something with no idea of what you will cook.

"Spices of India" — Wonderful Ingredients

Useful list of Indian Spice Blends

During our delivery service, preparation was key. Alongside our curry gravies and both cooked and par-cooked ingredients, having our spice blends ready was essential. I ensured the jars were prepared in advance for quick access when an order came in. These jars contained the basic spice blends, which I could easily modify by adding extra chili if a customer requested a spicier curry. This streamlined approach allowed us to efficiently cater to individual preferences while maintaining consistent quality.

This strategy can be incredibly useful at home, especially if you're inspired spontaneously, as I often am, to whip up a Friday night meal with just a handful of ingredients. Having pre-measured spice blends on hand allows you to quickly elevate simple dishes, making it easy to create something delicious without a lot of prep time. Whether it's a curry, stir-fry, or any other dish, these ready-to-use spices can turn an ordinary collection of items into a flavorful feast!

What we do here is make slightly larger batches by taking the measurements of the spice list and multiply them, so for example where it says tsp (teaspoon) you could double the quantity or use a tablespoon, I will then measure this into a labeled jar you then have the correct spice ratios.

Then where it says 3 tsp per person/portion you will multiply it by the amount of people you are making it for, it's a great way for scaling up an down obviously you need to scale your other ingredients too.

the next seven spice blends are worth making up we used these for our curry nights:

Vindaloo

Use 3 teaspoons for a single meal portion

½ tsp turmeric

½ tsp cumin

1tsp black pepper

1tsp chilli powder

Korma

Use 5 teaspoons for a single meal portion

1 tsp turmeric

1 tbsp ground coriander

½ tsp chilli powder

1 tsp garam masala

½ tsp black pepper

Dopiaza

Use 3½ teaspoons for a single meal portion

1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp ground cumin

½ tsp chilli powder

Tikka Masala

Use 5 teaspoons for a single meal portion

1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp ground cumin

½ tsp chilli powder

1 tsp garam masala

½ tsp black pepper

Bhuna

Use 6½ teaspoons for a single meal portion

1 tsp turmeric

3 tsp ground coriander

2 tsp ground cumin

½ tsp chilli powder

Rogan Gosht

Use 6 ½ teaspoons for a single meal portion

1 tsp turmeric

2 tsp ground coriander

2 tsp ground cumin

½ tsp chilli powder

1 tsp garam masala

Madras

Use 7 teaspoons for a single meal portion

1 tsp turmeric

2 tsp ground coriander

3 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp chilli powder

Daily prep was essential for our operation, and we created specific spice mixes to streamline the process of making large batches of curry gravies. These mixes typically included a base of turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala, along with customizable ingredients like paprika and chili powder for heat. By having these blends prepared in advance, we could efficiently create rich, flavourful gravies that served as the foundation for a variety of curry dishes, ensuring consistency and saving valuable time during delivery service.

Curry masala spice mixtures

Many recipes call for basic curry gravy below is a fantastic spice blend that I used for my bulk curries I would keep this To make larger batches use tablespoons instead

5 grams equals 1 teaspoon

Curry gravy masala

All spices are ground

15 spices total

12 tsp coriander

6 tsp cumin

4 tsp fenugreek

5 tsp gram flour

5 tsp garlic powder

4 tsp paprika

4 tsp turmeric

4 tsp garam masala

1 tsp ground bay leaf

1 tsp asafoetida

1 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp chilli powder

1 tsp yellow English mustard powder

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp cinnamon

Mix all together and store

Balti masala spice mixtures

Balti spice mixtures are vibrant and aromatic blends typically used in Balti cuisine, originating from the northern regions of India and Pakistan. These mixtures often include spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, fenugreek, and sometimes chili powder, providing a rich and warm flavour profile. The spice blend can vary widely, reflecting regional and personal preferences, but it is generally designed to enhance the taste of meat, vegetables, and lentils cooked in a traditional Balti dish, which is made in a circular, flat-bottomed wok-like pan. The result is a unique balance of heat, earthiness, and complexity that characterizes the hearty and satisfying nature of Balti cooking.

To make larger batches use tablespoons instead

5 grams equals 1 teaspoon

Simple Balti spice mix

2 teaspoons of paprika

½ teaspoon of chilli powder

1 teaspoon of salt

2 teaspoons of ground coriander

1 teaspoon of ground cumin

Balti gravy spice mix

Introducing our Balti Gravy Spice Mix, a harmonious blend crafted from 15 meticulously ground spices that encapsulates the rich and vibrant flavours of traditional Balti cuisine. This versatile mix combines the earthy warmth of coriander and cumin with the distinctive notes of fenugreek and garam masala, complemented by garlic powder, turmeric, and a hint of chili for an added kick. Perfect for creating a rich, aromatic gravy that forms the foundation of countless dishes, this spice blend ensures that you can whip up an authentic Balti meal in no time. Simply mix all the ingredients together, store them in an airtight container, and elevate your culinary adventures with this essential pantry staple!

40g, 8tsp coriander

20g, 4tsp cumin

20g, 4tsp fenugreek

25g, 5 tsp gram flour

25g, 5 tsp garlic powder

20g 4 tsp paprika

20g 4 tsp turmeric

50g, 10tsp garam masala

5g, 1tsp bay leaf

5g, 1tsp asafoetida

5g, 1tsp ground ginger

5g, 1tsp chilli powder

5g, 1 tsp yellow English mustard powder

5g, 1tsp black pepper

5g, 1 tsp cinnamon

All spices are ground

15 spices total

Mix all together and store

What is a garam masala?

Garam masala is a traditional Indian spice blend known for its warm, fragrant, and complex flavour profile. Literally translated to "warm spices," it typically features a medley of aromatic ingredients such as coriander, cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper, among others. Each ingredient contributes its unique essence, creating a rich tapestry of taste and aroma that enhances a variety of dishes, from curries to stews and marinades. The spices in garam masala are often toasted to release their oils, intensifying their flavours and resulting in a comforting warmth that elevates the overall culinary experience. Whether used as a base for cooking or a finishing touch, garam masala embodies the heart of Indian cooking, bringing depth and character to every meal.

Balti Garam masala

Introducing our Balti Garam Masala, a robust and aromatic spice blend that serves as a cornerstone of Balti cuisine. This carefully curated mix features a balance of whole spices, including aromatic coriander and cumin seeds, sweet aniseed, fragrant cassia bark, and the distinctive warmth of green cardamom and cloves. Dried mint leaves add a refreshing touch, while bay leaves contribute a subtle depth of flavour. To create this exquisite blend, roast all the whole spices together to release their essential oils, then allow them to cool before grinding them finely in a coffee grinder. The result is a complex and flavourful garam masala that will enhance your dishes with its authentic taste and rich aroma.

60g coriander seed

40g cumin seed

25g aniseed seed

25g cassia bark

25g, green cardamom

15 g cloves

4-6 bay leaves

5g, dried mint leaves

Conclusion

In conclusion, having a well-stocked selection of Indian spice blends at your fingertips not only simplifies your cooking process but also opens up a world of culinary possibilities. The spice mixtures we've explored—from the fiery Vindaloo to the creamy Korma and the aromatic Balti Garam Masala—allow you to create authentic, flavourful meals with ease, whether you're feeding a crowd or whipping up a quick weeknight dinner. By preparing these blends in advance, you ensure that every dish is infused with the warmth and depth characteristic of Indian cuisine, while also providing the flexibility to tailor each recipe to your taste. So go ahead, stock your pantry with these essential spice blends and take your cooking to vibrant new heights!