Garam masala is frequently used as a condiment in Indian dishes. Garam masala is often ground into a powder for use in Northern Indian cooking, while it is mostly made into a paste for use in Southern Indian cooking using coconut milk, vinegar, or water. It is produced all year long. Garam masala can be combined with other seasonings or used alone on occasion.

Garam Masala: What Is It?
Indian cuisine frequently uses a mixture of ground spices known as garam masala. To enhance taste and scent, the garam masala ingredients are typically roasted before being ground. Simply put, masala and garam mean "spices" and "hot," respectively. However, garam masala isn't always considered to be a particularly spicy mixture. It is usually gluten-free, vegan, and aromatic. Garam masala is mostly used in powder form; nevertheless, the making of garam masala paste must be disclosed on the label.

Garam Masala variations
There isn't just one way to make garam masala. The ingredients vary depending on the location and the personal tastes of each chef. Northern Indian garam masala, which includes the Punjab region, frequently only contains black pepper as a spicy spice and relies primarily on aromatic and sweet spices. The only source of spice in the dish will be the addition of hot peppers as this garam masala will be quite mild.

The garam masala is likely to be hotter the further south you travel in India because red chillies are probably included in the blend. On the basis of what is more prevalent locally, the spices also alter. Recipes are passed down through families in addition to being regional. In India, becoming a masalchi (a person who mixes spices) is a source of pride, and every cook aspires to create the best garam masala blend.

Ingredients in garam masala
When purchasing garam masala, it is important to study the ingredients to ascertain which spices are used.

The typical ingredients in garam masala are:

Coriander
Cumin
Cardamom
Cloves
Black pepper
Cinnamon (or cassia)
Nutmeg

Turmeric, saffron, fennel seeds, ginger, garlic, mustard seeds, mace, star anise, tamarind, fenugreek, bay leaves, Malabar leaves, or dried red chillies are the other ingredients found in garam masala varieties.

What Flavor Does It Have?
Warmth, sweetness, floral undertones, and a hint of hotness from the black pepper are all added by garam masala. It is meant to be both a tasty and fragrant spice. Although turmeric, coriander, and cumin may make you think of a curry, garam masala is typically not extremely hot.

Using Garam Masala in Food
Near the end of cooking, garam masala is typically used to season the food and enhance the aroma. The dish can also have some extra garam masala sprinkled on top of it. Garam masala is often prepared fresh from constituent spices and consumed within a few days.

How to Prepare Garam Masala on Your Own 

Your garam masala will be much more fragrant and tasty than anything you can get in a jar at the supermarket if it is made from whole spices. A skillet and a coffee or spice grinder are required for this recipe. The whole spices required are:

2 tablespoons cumin
2 tablespoons cardamom
3 tablespoons coriander seeds
2 tablespoons black peppercorns
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 complete cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon whole cloves

INSTRUCTIONS

1. For about 10 minutes, roast the coriander, cumin, cardamom, and black peppercorns in a dry skillet over medium-high heat. To keep everything cooking evenly, stir them occasionally.
2. Remove the ingredients from the pan and allow them to cool once they have slightly browned and released a toasted, rich aroma.
3. Use a coffee or spice grinder to grind.
4. Add the grated nutmeg to the mixture.
5. Keep away from heat and in an airtight container.

Storage
Garam masala should be kept in a cool, dark place in an airtight container. It is best to use ground garam masala as soon as possible because it loses its power quite rapidly. Although it won't spoil, you should utilise it within a few weeks, though you can use it for up to six months. As the dish ages, you should anticipate using more garam masala to get the desired flavour.

Where to buy Garam Masala
In a well-stocked supermarket, garam masala can be found in the spice area. A speciality store or grocery store in India is probably your best bet. You will get the greatest flavour if you make your own by using the whole spices. You can also get fresh and real Garam Masala online from www.indore.online. Just visit the website, search for Pushp Masala- Garam Masala, and place your order, or simply click on the link Garam Masala - Pushp Brand - 10gm. Pushp masala from Indore is a renowned masala brand, and Indians trust the brand for its freshness and no added preservatives. Indore Online provides a range of authentic masalas from Pushp masala on its platform. You can also order snacks online from their website. They are specialised in supplying famous indori food like jeeravan masala, indori sev, ratlami sev indore, instant inori poha, instant bedmi puri mix, instant khaman mix and many such varieties of foods and readymade mixes.