Garam Masala

A "finishing spice," this is one of the most widely used mixes in Indian cooking. Use it to bolster soups and lentils, beans and vegetables, and meat and meat substitutes. A little goes a long way. Gives the dish a depth and layers of flavor. Every house has its own tweak to the basic recipe. This is what Aditi uses at her home, very much her grandmother's recipe - a blend of warm spices - cinnamon, cardamom and cloves being the highlights.