Garam masala is a spice blend widely used in Indian cuisine, from curries and lentil dishes to soups. Whole spices of cinnamon, mace, peppercorns, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and cardamon pods are toasted in a pan to release their aromatic flavors, then ground to a powder.Garam masala has a vibrant, strong flavor which allows for it to be added to most recipes towards the end of cooking, and without the need for extended simmering to meld and bring out the flavor. It's commonly used in marinades and rubs to flavor meats, or sprinkled over a dish at the end.