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    Home » Lunch and Dinner

    Best Pilau Masala Spice Recipe

    Dated: September 10, 2020 . Modified: Jan 6, 2022 by Kate Hahnel

    Jump to Recipe

    Make your own spice mix at home with the Best Pilau Masala Spice Recipe. Pilau Masala is a spice mix that is made of cumin, cinnamon, black peppercorn seeds, and cardamom pods (basic ingredients) which are then ground and used to make Pilau Rice.

    Pilau Masala Spice
    Pilau Masala Spice

    If have been here for a while or know me, then you know how much I love my homemade spices! They are so easy to make and have no preservatives, which is great! Plus, they make for great gifts to give to loved ones. I can't tell you how many times I have made Chermoula Spice, French Fry (Chip) Seasoning, or Burger Seasoning, for my friends. I also love this homemade lemon pepper spice!

    Jump to:
    • Is Pilau Masala the same as Garam Masala?
    • Ingredients for Pilau Masala Spice or Seasoning
    • How to make the spice:
    • Useful Tips
    • Storage
    • Make These Other Tasty African Recipes!!
    • 📖 Recipe

    Is Pilau Masala the same as Garam Masala?

    Garam Masala is a spice blend comprising cardamoms (normally green), cinnamon sticks, fennel seeds, star anise, and nutmeg. Some Garam Masala recipes also include bay leaves, for the aroma.

    Pilau rice is a dish that involves cooking rice with the pilau masala spice, meat, and/or vegetables and stock. Pilau rice, which has several names such as Pilaf, Pulao, Pelau, or Palaw, has its origins in Persia. The Persian scholar Avicenna documented in his books several recipes including several pilaf recipes. He is considered the ''father'' of modern pilau or pilaf.

    As you can see, the two spices are almost identical. The main difference, however, is that Pilau spice seasoning is used in making Pilaw rice while Garam Masala is used in curries, lentil dishes, and soups.

    Ingredients for Pilau Masala Spice or Seasoning

    You will require the following key ingredients to make this pilau masala seasoning (please see the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this page for quantities):

    • Cumin seeds
    • Cinnamon sticks
    • Black peppercorn seeds
    • Cardamom pods
    • Cloves (whole)

    How to make the spice:

    1. Place cloves, ground nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, black peppercorn seeds and cardamom pods in a dry pan.
    2. Under low heat, roast the spices above until fragrant. Use a wooden stick to stir so the spices do not burn.
    3. Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the spices to a coffee grinder or spice grinder. Process until smooth.

    Useful Tips

    • You can roughly process your spice mix so you still have chunky whole spices. The combination of whole and ground spice not only gives a great aroma but also enhances the flavour.
    • Each pilau rice recipe requires about 1 ½ - 2 tablespoons of the pilau masala spice mix. You can however add more or less, depending on your spice tolerance.
    • On a low carb diet? You can still make pilau rice if on a low carb or keto diet. Simply use the pilau masala spice mix with your caulirice or konjak rice. I assure you, it still tastes great.
    • As a variation, you can add some ground ginger (ginger powder) for some extra spicyness!!

    Storage

    This Pilau spice seasoning mix or powder can be stored 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.

    Pilau masala spice in a spice container
    Pilau Masala Spice

    Make These Other Tasty African Recipes!!

    • Moroccan Chermoula Sauce
    • Kachumbari (East African Salad)
    • Ugali Recipe
    • Sukuma Wiki Recipe + Video

    Great news, you have made it this far which means you probably made or are making this Pilau Masala Spice! It would go a long way if you could leave a ⭐rating on the recipe card or comment in the comments section below.

    Feel free to follow me on my social channels! Tag me @weeatatlast (formerly paleolowcarbkate) on Instagram, pin it on Pinterest, or like my Facebook for the latest updates! Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel or Newsletter for regular recipe notifications!

    📖 Recipe

    Pilau masala spice in a spice container

    Best Pilau Masala Spice Recipe

    Kate Hahnel
    Best Pilau Masala Spice Recipe - East African pilau masala is a spice mix that is made of cumin, cinnamon, black peppercorn seeds and cardamon pods.
    3.91 from 11 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 1 min
    Cook Time 0 mins
    Processing Time 2 mins
    Total Time 3 mins
    Course Spice
    Cuisine East African
    Servings 7
    Calories 85 kcal

    Equipment

    A pan- to roast the spices
    a wooden spoon or spatula - for mixing
    airtight container - to store the pilau spice mix

    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 under medium heat.
    • To the pan, add the cumin seeds, cardamom seeds, black peppercorn seeds, cinnamon sticks and cloves.
    • Reduce the heat to a low and roast the spices, stirring continuously until fragrant. Transfer the roasted pilau masala spice mix to a bowl and allow to cool.
    • Next, transfer the now cooled spice mix to your blender, spice grinder or coffee grinder and mix until you obtain a powder. Store in an airtight container, in a cool and dry place.

    Video

    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.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1gCalories: 85kcalCarbohydrates: 9.1gProtein: 3.5gFat: 3.2gSaturated Fat: 0gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0gMonounsaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgFiber: 4.1gSugar: 0g
    Tried this recipe? I would love it if you could leave a rating by clicking on the stars above on this recipe card.or simply PIN on Pinterest for later!!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kiheria

      March 31, 2021 at 6:22 pm

      What is the ratio of the pilau masala to rice

      Reply
      • Kate Hahnel

        April 01, 2021 at 10:18 am

        I like to use one teaspoon for each cup of rice, but feel free to use more or less, if you prefer.

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Kate! I am here to show you how easy it is to recreate African recipes at home and that you should not be intimidated at all!

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