What Is Masala?

Masala is an Indian word for a wide variety of mixtures of spices used in Indian cuisine. It is a common mixture or combination of spices or herbs which are added to the dish or soup in order to give it flavor and aroma. Masala is not a specific ingredient; it is a blend of different herbs and spices which results in a distinct flavor.

History of Masala

The use of spices in meals is said to date back thousands of years. Many traditional Indian recipes ask for the addition of spices in variouis forms to give a unique flavor to the dish. Traditionally, adding the spices to a dish was time consuming and labor intensive. This is where masala, a pre-blended mix of spices and herbs, became popular. Masala blends vary according to region and cuisine, but they are all made of fresh ingredients ground together and preserved.

Types of Masala

Different types of masala are used in different parts of India. Every region has its own specialty in terms of what spices make up the masala. Some of the most popular masalas include garam masala, sambar masala, pavbhaji masala, and chat masala. Garam masala is usually used in both North and South India, and is a blend of ground spices such as coriander, cumin, black pepper, cinnamon, and cardamom. Sambar masala, which is a commonly used in South Indian cooking, is made from mustard, cumin, coriander, black pepper, chilies, and other spices. Pavbhaji masala is a North-Indian specialty, made up of spices such as ginger, cumin, pepper, garlic, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Finally, chat masala, which is popular in North India, is made from a blend of cumin, coriander, red chili, amchoor, black salt, and black pepper.

No matter what masala is used, it adds a distinct flavor to the dish it is used in. Thus, it is an integral part of many Indian dishes. It is best to grind the spices together yourself for freshest taste and the best flavor for your Indian dish.