Make the Best Pilau Masala Spice! Aromatic and quick to make, this is a recipe you will keep coming back to. Making your own homemade seasoning has never been easier!
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There are so many reasons to love this recipe!
- ❤️Its easy to make.
- ❤️It has no preservatives, making it healthier.
- ❤️It makes a great gifts to give to loved ones.
Is Pilau Masala the same as Garam Masala?
Garam Masala is a spice blend comprising green cardamoms, cinnamon sticks, fennel seeds, star anise, mace, coriander seeds, ground cumin, black peppercorns, and nutmeg.
Its preparation varies from region to region, with some garam masala recipes also including bay leaves, for the aroma. Garam Masala is used in making curries, in tikka masala recipes, lentil dishes, and soups.
Pilau spice comprises fewer ingredients - normally ground cumin, cardamon, black peppercorns, cinnamon sticks and cloves. It is used in making pilau rice, and occassionally stews.
Related recipes: For more tasty seasoning recipes, try our Chermoula Spice French Fry (Chip) Seasoning, Burger Seasoning or this Homemade Lemon Pepper Spice next!
Useful Tips
- Process your spice mix coarsely for a balanced combination of textures and enhanced flavor.
- Use 1 ½ - 2 tablespoons of spice per recipe, adjusting to your spice preference.
- For low carb or keto diets, use the pilau masala with caulirice or konjak rice.
- Optionally, add ground ginger for extra spiciness.
Store your pilau seasoning in an airtight container, in a cool and dry place, for up to 4 months. Always use a clean and dry spoon to scoop your spice mix, so as to avoid contamination.
Make These Other Tasty Recipes!!
Don't just stop here, make sure to check out our other African recipes! From Nigerian akamu, to Zobo drink and East African chips mayai, you will find so many other recipes to explore!
Updated on November 18, 2023: Certain parts of this recipe have been simplified to enhance clarity and readability.
📖 Recipe
Best Pilau Masala Spice Recipe
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup cumin seeds (whole) approx. 100g
- 2 tablespoon cardamom pods - green approx. 30g
- 3 tablespoon black peppercorn seeds approx.90g
- 5 cinnamon sticks
- 2 tablespoon cloves (whole) approx. 30g
Instructions
- Heat a pan over medium heat. Add cumin, cardamom, black peppercorns, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
- Reduce the heat to a low and roast the spices, stirring continuously until fragrant. Transfer the spices to a bowl to cool.
- Blend the cooled spice mix into a powder and store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Notes
- Enhance the flavour of this pilau masala mix by adding 1 tablespoon of ginger powder and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg.
- You will need about 2 tablespoons of this spice mix to make pilau rice (1 ½ cups of dry rice). Use more spice if you prefer your rice spicier.
- This pilau spice mix can be stored in an airtight container in a cool and dry place for up to 4 months.
Ta'Leah
It makes the house smell so good when toasting. It gave the perfect amount of flavor.
Kiheria
What is the ratio of the pilau masala to rice
Kate Hahnel
I like to use one teaspoon for each cup of rice, but feel free to use more or less, if you prefer.