Garam masala is a blend of several aromatic spices designed to add flavor to dishes at the end of cooking. Literally meaning "hot spices" (to warm the body and soul) is a mixture that has changed in character in recent years. With the inclusion of coriander and cumin, the overall mixture becomes more milder and sweeter. Today the mixture consists of coriander, cumin, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and black peppercorns.
