garam masala

noun

ga·​ram ma·​sa·​la gä-ˈräm-mə-ˈsä-lə How to pronounce garam masala (audio)
: a pungent and aromatic mixture of ground spices used in Indian cooking

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Transfer toasted chickpea flour to a large bowl and add lamb, onion, cilantro, ginger, garlic, salt, pepper, garam masala, cayenne, nutmeg and turmeric. Pervaiz Shallwani, WSJ, 27 Jan. 2023 The Red Chili Sauce consists of Crimson-red Kashmiri chilies and red jalapeño peppers to create well-rounded heat, and the flavor is amped up with tangy tamarind and garam masala spices. Amber Love Bond, Forbes, 25 Apr. 2022 They are served over tart yogurt spiced with garam masala and topped with crisp plantain crumbs. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 1 Feb. 2023 Crisp-skinned salmon floats to the table on a plateau of black lentils, swirled with garam masala, with a sunny carrot-coconut-milk sauce. Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 20 Jan. 2023 There’s a difference between the spices like cumin, cinnamon and black pepper in garam masala that give a dish its flavor, and the green and dry red chilies that bring the heat. Dallas News, 21 Dec. 2022 Next, yogurt adds richness, and helps bring together the flavors of cardamom, garam masala, Kashmiri chile powder and turmeric. G. Daniela Galarza, Washington Post, 8 Dec. 2022 And South Asian nihari employs generous amounts of browned onions and fresh ginger, with a boost from the spice blend garam masala. Christopher Kimball, BostonGlobe.com, 13 Dec. 2022 This vegetarian dish is fragrant with garam masala, an Indian spice blend that typically includes black pepper and a mix of sweet and savory spices. Sunset Staff, Sunset Magazine, 10 Dec. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'garam masala.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Hindi & Urdu garam masālā, literally, hot spices

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of garam masala was in 1954

Dictionary Entries Near garam masala

Cite this Entry

“Garam masala.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/garam%20masala. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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