Garam Masala, the best known of all Indian spice blends, adds the authentic touch to curries. Garam Masala is a Punjabi, or Northern Indian, style curry powder. Garam Masala is based, not on turmeric, as are other curry powders, but on a mixture of cinnamon, coriander and black pepper.
This highly aromatic seasoning serves as an all-purpose blend in Indian cooking. Often it is sprinkled on the top of dishes towards the end of the cooking process to preserve its special flavour.