One of the most popular foods of India and one that the country is well known for is Masala. We can find many of the Indian food are having the term of “Masala” in part of its name like Masala Dosa. Anyway, what does “Masala” mean?
Masala is a term used in Indian cuisine and the cuisines of neighboring, culturally similar, regions like Pakistan and to describe a mixture of many spices, which are mixed into a sauce when used in a dish. It is known for its smell, and is used extensively in Indian cooking to add spice and flavor.
Masala is used in a variety of sauces and dishes, and can have many different tastes depending on the combination of spices that went into making it. A masala can either be a combination of dried (and usually dry-roasted) spices, or a paste (such as vindaloo masala) made from a mixture of spices and other ingredients–often garlic, ginger and onions. Some of the spices in a certain Masala can be: coriander, cumin, salt and pepper.
There are many types of Masala out there with different combination. The most common type is called “Garam Masala”. When wet ingredients like water, vinegar, yogurt etc. are added to the spice mixture it is appropriately called a “wet masala”. The “Garam Masala” is usually a powder of five or more dried spices, commonly including cardamom, cinnamon, and clove. It is commonly known in the world as “Curry powder”. Different types of Masala will bring about a different taste in the food.
Whether it is a main dish, side dish or dessert, Masala surely will give us a taste of the delicious tastes of Indian cuisine.