Garam Masala
I love this spice mix. It's universal to so many dishes that it should be a staple in EVERY kitchen!
The first requirement of an Indian cook is to become a good masalchi, or spice blender! This blend varies regionally throughout India. Garam, from Hindi, means ‘hot’, and masala means ‘spice mixture’; it is not, however, hot in the same way as a chilli, but pungent.