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Spices & seasonings · Spice blends

Biryani masala

Fragrant ground blend of shahi jeera, cardamoms, cinnamon, cloves, mace and star anise made for biryani marinades and layers.

Also called: biryani spice mix, biryani garam masala

Around the world: बिरयानी मसाला (hi) · بریانی مصالحہ (ur)

A kind of garam masala

Make it yourself: Biryani masala

What it is

Biryani masala is a richly aromatic garam masala made specifically for biryani. It leans on green and black cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, mace, nutmeg, star anise and shahi jeera (black cumin), with little coriander or cumin. Commercial and family versions may add rose petals, kebab chini, stone flower or vetiver root.

How it’s used

  • Rubbed into the meat marinade for biryani
  • Sprinkled between rice layers before dum cooking
  • Pulao, tehari and rich kormas

Characteristics

Taste
Warm and perfumed rather than hot.
Aroma
Floral, sweet and heady from cardamom, mace and star anise.
Sold as
ground
Cooking uses
Mainly a seasoning

Storage

Cool, dry and dark. Airtight jar in a dark cupboard; best within 3 months.

Diet, allergens and safety

No major allergens in typical versions.

  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Dairy-free
  • Egg-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Nut-free
  • Soy-free
  • Caffeine-free

Nutrition per 100 g

Energy
325 kcal
Protein
14.29 g
Carbohydrate
55.83 g
Fat
14.01 g
Fibre
53.2 g
Sugars
2.76 g

USDA FoodData Central: Spices, curry powder (a close stand-in).

Substitutes

Optional — what works if you don’t have it, and how it changes the dish.

  • Garam masala — Use the same amount plus a pinch of ground cardamom and mace.

Related ingredients

Recipes with biryani masala

No recipe in the catalogue uses it yet.

More spice blends