Garam masala literally means warming spice. The word "garam" means hot and a "masala" is a blend of spices. The hot in this case does not mean hot like chilies but, rather, warming to the body. Thus Garam masala is a very special blend of spices used in Indian cooking in much the sameway as Europeans may add Mixed Herbs to everyday meals.
This spice mix is aromatic without being hot. Its ingredients are a special mixture of common spices that together give a subtle and unique (while being non-spicy and only mildly hot) flavour to foods. It usually consists of cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, cardamom, cumin, black cardamom, mustard seeds, shahajeera (black cumin seeds), nutmeg and fenugreek. It can also have fennel seeds, poppy seeds and mace. All these spices are lightly roasted and powdered.
Garam masala adds flavour to curries and is often sprinkled over the surface of a simmering curry, where during slow cooking, the spice mixture contributes a rich flavour that would not otherwise be present. Garam masala adds spice to food in a mild way and without the distinct cumin notes of curry.
Garam masala
