Glossary of food terms: G

Garam masala

An aromatic mixture of ground spices used as a base for many Indian dishes ('masala' means spice). The proportion of spices changes according to the dish being cooked but the basic ingredients are cumin, coriander, cardamom, black pepper and cinnamon. The mixture can include other spices (such as caraway, nutmeg or bay leaves), depending on whether the dish includes meat, vegetables or fish. It's usually added towards the end of cooking.

• Garam masala (video recipe)
• Masala Machchi
• Masala chops with fried rice
• Halibut tikka masala with basmati rice