Curry Powder vs. Garam Masala: What’s the Difference?

The recipes for beloved Indian dishes or Indian-inspired food products almost always call for one of these spice blends: curry powder or garam masala. Both incorporate classic Indian spices, renowned for their strong aromas, rich flavour profiles, and recognizable colour.

However, these two spice blends are very unique with different applications and flavours. In this article, we will take a deep dive in the key differences between curry powder and garam masala.

Curry Powder vs. Garam Masala

Both curry powder and garam masala are associated with Indian cuisine; however, they are not interchangeable. They contain different spices, resulting in two very distinct flavour profiles and aromas.

Even their colour is different. So, although the two are both spice blends, the way that they’re used in recipes differs significantly. In addition, they have unique histories.

What is curry powder?

Curry powder is easily recognizable with its vibrant orange-yellow hue, which is indicative of its high turmeric content. That being said, there isn’t a set ingredient list for curry powder.

It varies from company to company and household to household. This is due, in part, to curry powder’s interesting origin story. Curry powder is actually a British invention, and not Indian.

During the British colonial rule of India, English colonists and military personnel encountered an enticing array of spices that were foundational ingredients in Indian cuisine.

In an attempt to simplify these complex spice combinations, they created “curry powder.” This new spice blend contained the most important spices of Indian cuisine: turmeric, cumin, ground coriander, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and ginger.

Today, most curry powders contain some combination of these spices. Curry powder remains a simplified, one-size-fits-all approach to capturing Indian flavours.

Curry powder should be balanced and dynamic, full of flavour and aromas. There are slight bitter undertones because of the turmeric, which are balanced out by the citrusy, floral notes of the coriander. Meanwhile, the cumin brings a warm, earthy flavour.

Typically, curry powder is used during the cooking process rather than as a finishing spice. Its applications also extend beyond solely Indian cuisine. It can be used in Southeast Asian curries to season rice and roasted vegetables or sprinkled over popcorn.

What is garam masala?

Garam masala has a long and rich history in Indian cuisine. It’s a traditional spice blend that has been a staple in Indian households for centuries, particularly in northern India. The name translates to “mix of hot spices,” although it is not typically fiery hot. Instead, it’s a warming blend of aromatic spices.

Therefore, it should come as no surprise that garam masala is fantastic for adding warmth and depth to dishes. It also infuses recipes with rich and aromatic flavours.

As with curry powder, garam masala doesn’t have a set recipe. It varies between regions and between spice manufacturers. The spice blend typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, mace, cardamom, peppercorns, coriander, and cumin. Since it lacks turmeric, garam masala is brown in colour, not bright yellow.

Given its aromatic and flavourful ingredients, garam masala has a complex flavour profile. The cardamom and cinnamon supply some sweetness, while the cloves, peppercorns, and cumin offer earthy and spicy undertones. Then, there are the floral top notes from the coriander.

Garam masala is mostly used as a finishing spice. By adding it at the end of the cooking process, you preserve its delicate flavours. It can be sprinkled over dishes just before serving to add warmth and enhance the existing flavours. Although commonly used in butter chicken and tikka masala, garam masala is also great for seasoning and especially tasty in desserts.

What are the differences between curry powder and garam masala?

Curry powder and garam masala have very little in common. Both are blends used in Indian cooking and contain some popular Indian spices, yet the similarities stop there.

• Ingredients: The main ingredient in curry powder is turmeric, which is not present in garam masala.
• Flavour profile: Curry powder has an earthy taste with some bitterness, while garam masala is warm, sweet, and floral.
• Colour: The turmeric content in curry powder creates a bold yellow colour. This colour is imparted on the dish, resulting in a vibrant final product. Garam masala, conversely, is light brown.
• Use: Curry powder is used as you cook, whereas garam masala is a finishing spice best used at the end of the cooking process.
• Origin: Garam masala is a foundational spice blend in Indian cooking. It plays a crucial role in creating authentic Indian flavours and replicating traditional dishes, like tikka masala. Curry powder was invented by the British in the last 200 years in an attempt to make the taste of India more accessible. Consequently, curry powder is incredibly useful for quickly and easily capturing Indian flavours.

Can curry powder be substituted for garam masala?

Although both blends contain many of the same ingredients, garam masala and curry powder have noticeably different flavour profiles. Curry powder tends to have a relatively mild flavour with some underlying bitterness.

Garam masala, on the other hand, is quite pungent with a strong flavour. It’s sweeter and spicier. Furthermore, garam masala loses much of its flavour when cooked with, so it’s a mistake to add it too soon in the cooking process.

Curry powder is meant to be cooked with, not used as a finishing spice. Thus, we don’t recommend substituting one for the other.

Manufacture Your Own Custom Indian Spice Blend With Hela Spice

Although curry powder and garam masala differ greatly from one another, they are both spice blends with no set recipe. Consequently, there are ample opportunities for customisation.

The recipes can be tweaked, adjusted, or reinvented to best appeal to your customers. Fortunately, Hela Spice can help. Custom spice blending and product development are our specialties.

Whether you’re looking to add your own custom Indian spice blend to your product offerings, or produce a new best-selling food product, look no further than Hela Spice. We are North America’s manufacturing experts in custom spice blending.

To learn more about the custom spice blend manufacturers at Hela Spice, visit us at www.helaspice.com or contact us here.