Garam-masala

/ɡəˈrɑːm məˈsɑːlə/ noun

Definition

A warming Indian spice blend typically featuring cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cumin, coriander, and black pepper, added at the end of cooking or used as a finishing spice.

Etymology

From Hindi 'garam' (hot/warm) and 'masala' (spice mixture), referring not to heat level but to the warming properties these spices have on the body according to Ayurvedic medicine. Each region and family has distinct variations.

Kelly Says

Unlike other spice blends used during cooking, garam masala is often added at the very end of cooking or sprinkled on finished dishes because its delicate aromatics would be lost to prolonged heat - it's the perfume of Indian cuisine!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.