Highlights

Garam Masala

The Magic Spice

Garam masala is a wonderfully aromatic blend of spices from India and Pakistan. Garam means "hot" or "heating" and masala means "spice blend". The "hot" is not necessarily referring to the kind of heat found in hot chilies but to the fact that the spices are toasted then ground. Another explanation we've heard is that the amalgamated extract of the spices in garam masala increases body temperature, a pleasant warm glow you might feel after eating a dish savored with it. It does however usually include some black pepper and cinnamon or cassia which carry some heat.