garam masala

garam masala, a combination of ground spices that originated in India.

The term garam masala is derived from the Hindi and Urdu words meaning “hot spices,” but most versions of garam masala vary around a central theme of cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, and peppercorn to obtain a balance between sweet and savory tastes with relatively little by way of heat. It is ideal for rubs on meats and vegetables to be roasted where the high heat will bloom the spices into an aromatic frenzy. Similarly, garam masala can be worked into dough for flatbread and naan where cooking will finish the melding of flavours. Some Western chefs use it to add a spicy surprise to sweeter desserts such as flan or chocolate torte. In Ayurvedic medicine, garam masala is used to elevate body temperature, treat the common cold, and, like turmeric, lower blood sugar levels.