Garam Masala

Garam Masala is an Indian spice mix whose name means, “hot mix.” Despite its name, it is actually generally sweet and warming rather than spicy.

The contents will vary, particularly from region to region in India, Components can include black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, fennel and fenugreek seeds, and nutmeg.

In Bengali cooking, Garam Masala is used in meat dishes, and not very often in vegetable dishes.

Cooking Tips

Use sparingly. Add either at the end of cooking, or fry briefly at the beginning of cooking to bring out the flavours.

History Notes

Garam Masala may have been the inspiration for Curry Powder.

Language Notes

“Garam” means hot; “masala” means spice mixture in Urdu.