First foods database

🌶️ Garam masala for babies: when and how to serve it

Can babies have garam masala? Yes, from about 6 months, in small amounts. Garam masala is a warm blend of spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and cumin. It usually has no chilli heat and is a great way to introduce family flavours.

From 6 monthsLow choking risk when prepared well

Good source of: Flavour, Antioxidants

How to serve garam masala by age

6 to 9 months

Add a small pinch to red lentil purée, sweet potato mash or chicken and vegetable blends while they cook.

9 to 12 months

Use garam masala in dals, mild curries, meatballs and roasted vegetable fingers. A little stirred into yoghurt makes a mild dip. Garam masala in chicken meatballs is a quick, flavourful finger food.

12 months and up

Use as normal in family curries and stews, keeping chilli low for toddlers.

Choking safety

Ground spice blends are not a choking risk. If you use whole spices in cooking, such as cardamom pods, cloves or cinnamon sticks, remove them before serving.

Gagging is common and noisy while babies learn to eat. Choking is usually silent. Always stay with your baby while they eat, sitting upright. How to help a choking baby (NHS).

Good to know

Easy ideas

Goes well with

🫘Red lentilsFrom 6 months🍗ChickenFrom 6 months🍠Sweet potatoFrom 6 months🍚RiceFrom 6 months

Recipes with garam masala

🍛Batch cook mild chickpea and spinach curryFrom 7 months · Dinner · 35 min🥬Chicken and spinach saagFrom 9 months · Dinner · 40 min🍚Lamb and butternut squash biryaniFrom 10 months · Dinner · 70 min🌼Mild cauliflower and chickpea kormaFrom 7 months · Dinner · 40 min🥥Mild chickpea, spinach and coconut curryFrom 7 months · Dinner · 35 min🧀Mild palak paneer for babiesFrom 7 months · Dinner · 35 min

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Questions parents ask

Can babies eat garam masala?

Can babies have garam masala? Yes, from about 6 months, in small amounts. Garam masala is a warm blend of spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and cumin. It usually has no chilli heat and is a great way to introduce family flavours.

Is garam masala spicy?

It is warming and aromatic but usually contains no chilli. Check the label as some blends do include it.

Can babies eat curry?

Yes. Mild curries made with gentle spices and no added salt are a lovely way to share family meals.

Sources

OBubba gives general information based on UK guidance. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Every baby is different. If your baby has a known allergy, severe eczema or a medical condition, speak to your doctor or health visitor before starting solids. Learn baby first aid, and in an emergency call your local emergency number (999 in the UK).