Homemade Korma Masala (Spice Mix)

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Leena Kohli (@leenakohli)

If you love creamy, flavorful curries, then this Homemade Korma Masala Powder is a must-have in your kitchen. Made by gently roasting and grinding whole spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and poppy seeds, it gives your korma dishes that rich, royal, and authentic taste we all crave.

Unlike store-bought masalas, this one is 100% fresh, preservative-free, and bursting with natural aroma. Just a spoonful can transform your chicken, mutton, paneer, or vegetable korma into a...

Homemade Korma Masala (Spice Mix) recipe

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Prep Time
10min
Cook Time
10min
Total Time
20min

Ingredients

20 Servings
(1 serving = 1 tbsp)

Whole Spices

  • pods green cardamom (hari elaichi)
    pods green cardamom (hari elaichi)
    15
  • cloves (laung)
    cloves (laung)
    15
  • black peppercorns (kali mirch)
    black peppercorns (kali mirch)
    1/2tsp
  • cinnamon stick (dalchini)
    cinnamon stick (dalchini)
    3in
  • bay leaves (tej patta)
    bay leaves (tej patta)
    2
  • pods black cardamom (moti elaichi)
    pods black cardamom (moti elaichi)
    4
  • star anise
    star anise
    1

Seeds & Aromatics

  • coriander seeds (sookha dhania)
    coriander seeds (sookha dhania)
    4tbsp
  • blade mace (javitri)
    blade mace (javitri)
    1
  • nutmeg (jaiphal)
    nutmeg (jaiphal)
    1/2
  • fennel seeds (saunf)
    fennel seeds (saunf)
    2tbsp
  • cumin seeds (jeera)
    cumin seeds (jeera)
    1tbsp
  • poppy seeds (khuskhus)
    poppy seeds (khuskhus)
    2tbsp

Powdered Ingredients

  • Kashmiri red chilli powder
    Kashmiri red chilli powder
    1 1/2tbsp
  • salt
    salt
    1tsp
  • drops of kewra water
    drops of kewra water
    4

How to make Homemade Korma Masala (Spice Mix)

Dry Roast Whole Spices

  1. Step 1

    Heat a pan over a low flame. Add green and black cardamom, cloves, peppercorns, cinnamon, bay leaves, and star anise. Roast gently until fragrant. Remove and set aside.

    Step 1.1: Heat a pan over a low flame

Roast Seeds & Aromatics

  1. Step 1

    In the same pan, dry roast coriander, cumin, fennel seeds, mace, and nutmeg for 2–3 minutes until slightly golden and aromatic. Take off the heat and let cool.

    Step 2.1: In the same pan, dry roast coriander, cumin, fennel seeds, mace, and nutmeg for 2–3 minutes until slightly golden and aromatic

Roast Poppy Seeds

  1. Step 1

    Add poppy seeds and dry roast for 1–2 minutes until they start to crackle. Remove and let all the spices cool completely.

    Step 3.1: Add poppy seeds and dry roast for 1–2 minutes until they start to crackle
    Step 3.2: Add poppy seeds and dry roast for 1–2 minutes until they start to crackle

Grind to Powder

  1. Step 1

    Once cooled, transfer everything to a spice grinder. Add Kashmiri chilli powder, salt, and kewra water, and grind into a fine, smooth powder.

    Step 4.1: Once cooled, transfer everything to a spice grinder

Store

  1. Step 1

    Transfer the masala to a clean, dry, airtight glass jar. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 2–3 months. For longer freshness, refrigerate.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

7.0kcal (0.35%)

Protein

0.3g (0.58%)

Carbs

0.8g (0.28%)

Sugars

0.1g (0.12%)

Healthy Fat

0.3g

Unhealthy Fat

0.1g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Always roast on low heat to prevent bitterness.

  2. Allow the spices to cool fully before grinding to avoid moisture buildup.

  3. Kashmiri chilli powder gives a beautiful colour with mild heat — adjust to your liking.

  4. Make in small batches to retain the fresh aroma.

  5. Store in an airtight glass jar; refrigerate if you live in a humid area.

FAQS

  1. Can I skip any spice?

    Each spice adds a unique layer of flavour. For authentic korma taste, try to include as many as possible.

  2. Can I use regular chilli powder instead of Kashmiri?

    Yes, but it will be spicier and less vibrant. Kashmiri chilli gives rich red colour with gentle heat — ideal for korma.

  3. How long does it stay fresh?

    Up to 2–3 months at room temperature; longer if refrigerated.

  4. Can I double the recipe?

    Yes, but grind and store in smaller batches to keep the aroma fresh.

  5. Where can I use this masala?

    Perfect for chicken, mutton, or vegetable korma, paneer gravies, and any mild, creamy curry.

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Leena Kohli

(@leenakohli)

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