I know this is an old thread but love this recipe and make it often. Nothing beats the freshness of homemade garam masala: https://holycowvegan.net/garam-masala-recipe/

Do not cook Indian food with american spices. American spices are stale and lack depth. Go to an international grocery store.

Plus how are you even keep it stocked if you are cooking with american spices? I could easily use a half a bottle of McCormicks in my curry.

You can find most of those garam masala brands listed on Kalustyan's site for much lower prices at any local Indian store.

https://kalustyans.com/

We order a lot of our spices and other products from here (lived close by for over 10 years and still haven't found a place I like more).

They carry several different blends. Just search for garam masala.

I have the good stuff, but way too much from an indian store. I need a way to use it all up

I make my own, but we like more cumin and cinnamon that most mixes have, and which I'm sure isn't traditional.

The real key is always to make sure you toast it/ other spices as part of the recipe. You can also buy a mix and top up with what spices you prefer to be a little more pronounced.

I always make my own, because you can customize the blend and make a small quantity. Ground spices tend to lose flavor quickly.
Whole spices can be stored for a long time without losing flavor.

I've made my own, bought Penzeys, and McCormicks. I actually prefer the flavor of McCormicks the best so it'll all come down to your personal preference. If you have the opportunity, try some side by side.

Don't buy McCormicks! Go to an Indian grocery and get a box/bottle. You can make your own but the mix is fine. I'm Indian.

I make my own, but there are some very good Indian store brands that work well. Everest is my favorite. MDH is not bad too

Go to Penzey's or better still an Indian store and pick up some. Much cheaper and they will be fresher at the Indian store. Everest and Badshah are good brands. MOM's or Whole Foods may have some in the bulk spices. You can certainly make your own but even my relatives in India don't bother.

I have been on an Indian food kick and think the McCormicks garam masala is too expensive. $6 for 1.7 oz bottle. What is this stuff? CRack? I need a recipe.