Description
Garam masala mixes different types of masala and to make a powdered form and is used in dishes like biryani, pulao, and vegetable curries. It gives a rich and authentic flavor to the dish, and many people add their favorite spices in the natural form to make a blend.
Indian vegetable or meat dishes often include garam masala for seasoning. In Northern Indian cuisine, garam masala is typically in powder form, while in the southern part of the country, garam masala is often formed into a paste with coconut milk, vinegar, or water. It is made year-round. Garam masala sometimes used on its own, but it can be mixed with other seasonings as well.
What Is Garam Masala?
Garam masala is a blend of ground spices used extensively in Indian cuisine. The spices for garam masala are usually toasted to bring out more flavor and aroma, and then ground. The word masala simply means “spices,” and garam means “hot.” However, garam masala doesn’t necessarily constitute a particularly spicy blend. The powdered form is typically gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian, while you will need to check the label for garam masala paste to see what is included.
Varieties of Garam Masala
There is no single garam masala recipe. The ingredients differ according to the region as well as each chef’s individual preferences. Garam masala from Northern India, including the Punjab region, often has only black pepper for a hot element and mostly focuses on aromatic and sweet spices. This garam masala will be quite mild, and any heat in the dish will come from adding hot peppers.
The farther south you go in India, the hotter the garam masala is likely to be as red chiles are likely to be part of the blend. The spices also change, based on what is more common locally.
Recipes are not only regional but also passed down through families. Learning to mix spices (to be a masalchi) is a matter of pride in India, and each cook strives to make the best garam masala blend.
