Garam Masala vs. Tikka Masala – What’s The Difference?

Indian food is famous for the addition of spices and masala. Indian food tastes spicy and different from the rest of the cuisines because they include special homemade or manufactured masalas in it. These masalas enhance the taste and provide a unique aroma to the food, making it more appealing.

The spices formed are often of the same taste and contain similar ingredients, but the quantity and way they are prepared makes them different. Talking about two of the most famous masalas, including garam masala and tikka masala. You all must have been familiar with these two as they are used on a daily basis.

Garam masala and tikka masala sounds similar, and many of you won’t know what’s different about them both, but let’s clear this confusion. Garam masala is a mixture of blended spice that provides a complimentary taste to other dishes, while tikka masala is a dish which gives a thick consistency and taste to curries.

The main difference between garam masala and tikka masala is of ingredients as garam masala contains cinnamon, mace, coriander seed, cumin seeds, and peppercorns, while tikka masala contains paprika, cumin, ginger, garlic, turmeric, cinnamon and chili peppers. Another major difference the both contain is the addition of turmeric in tikka masala, which gives mild and yellow flavor and color, while the garam masala is strong and has no addition of turmeric.

Below, we have mentioned the basic information related to garam masala and tikka masala, which will help you clarify your confusion.

Garam Masala

Garam masala is an Indian word that includes: garam as hot and masala as blended spices. So garam masala is a mixture of blended spices which is commonly consumed in Indian Cuisine and is added to every food group, such as soups, lentils etc.

When mixed together, the blended spice gives a heavenly aroma and provides health benefits to the body. These spices provide warmth to the body and increase the metabolic rate. The garam masala is in blended form, and a small amount gives enriched taste and odor.

Ingredients

Talking about the garam masala ingredients, so it is important for you to know that the ratio depends upon the chef. Some make it milder while others make it sweeter and milker, so it is all on who’s making it. some of the spices used to make garam masala are:

• Cinnamon
• Mace
• Coriander seeds
• Cumin seeds
• Cardamon pods
• Peppercorns

All these spices are blended in together to form a spicy, sweet and brown aroma and taste.  These blends of masalas are mostly added to curries such as chicken karahi, korma etc. all Indian food mostly contains garam masala.

Garam Masala Brands

One of the best garam masala brands is rani garam masala, which is everyone’s favorite. In this brand, the garam masala is prepared from the addition of eleven different spices blended together to form a unique tasting garam masala. There is no addition n of salt or any preservative in this masala. Some of the ingredients added are ginger, nutmeg, bay leaf etc.

Black and green cardamom is used to give a professional touch. There is no addition of filler ingredients in the rani garam masala to reduce the quality. The blended spices are mild and overwhelming. The masala is free from preservatives, flavors and is non-GMO, vegan and gluten-free.

As we have learned about garam masala, let us talk about tikka masala.

Tikka Masala

Tikka masala always reminds of BBQ and is a basic spice of East Asian cuisine. It is very famous in the UK and other countries as well. The tikka masala is originated from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, where the chefs have added a unique flavor of mystery to it. 

Tikka masala is made from marinated chicken with spices and herbs and is creamy and tomato-based. Different cooks prepare tikka masala from their style, so the taste depends on the chef too. There is the addition of many more spices in tikka masala.

Ingredients

The ingredients of tikka masala include:

• Garam masala
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Cumin
• Paprika

The chicken is firstly cooked, and curry sauce is made with the addition of some extra spices, as mentioned above. The turmeric and chili powder are also added in. all these spices are added into cilantro, tomato puree and tomato sauce with the addition of cream and tikka masala is prepared.

Tikka Masala Brands

Tikka masala is called a pre-packed simmer sauce and is a unique spice to be added to your curry to enhance the taste. There are many brands that prepare tikka masala; we have mentioned the two best brands below.

The brand would be seeds of change tikka masala which is organic and made with quality ingredients. It also contains some of the sugar cane content in it. The sauce provides 40 calories that give a unique taste to your dish.

The next brand would be Maya Kaimal tikka masala prepared from milk and is for vegetarian people. This is very creamy and contains veggies to enhance the taste. It also is quite enriched with nutrients and provides a unique creamy taste.

So, What’s The Difference Between Garam Masala and Tikka Masala?

Let’s summarize the article mentioned above into key points and mention the basic difference between garam masala and tikka masala.

1. The main difference between garam masala and tikka masala is of ingredients as garam masala contains cinnamon, mace, coriander seed, cumin seeds, and peppercorns, while tikka masala contains paprika, cumin, ginger, garlic, turmeric, cinnamon and chili peppers.
2. Another major difference the both contain is the addition of turmeric in tikka masala, which gives mild and yellow flavor and color, while the garam masala is strong and has no addition of turmeric.
3. Garam masala is also an ingredient that is added to tikka masala.
4. Garam masala is a mixture of blended spices that provides a complimentary taste to other dishes, while tikka masala is a dish that gives a thick consistency and taste to curries.

Sources:

• Foodsguy
• Maasbest
• Quora