If variety is the spice of life, garam masala is the spice that brings Indian dishes to life.

People say variety is the spice of life.

I agree.

But in my kitchen, there is no life without garam masala.

It is hard for me to pinpoint the exact time when I started using garam masala. All I know is that it was a common item in my mother’s kitchen cabinet. That was one of those ingredients that would always be put in any dish.

As I said earlier, experimenting with dishes is something that I really like to do. Cooking for me is not only an activity to complete the routine. It is an art that demands love, passion, and experimenting with tastes.

Food and cooking are both emotions

People often use food to relate it to memories. One scent can take you to years past; one taste can remind you of people, places, and events. Perhaps this is why I continue using garam masala.

I yearn for that fish curry my mother used to prepare, the one we prepare only in Kerala, with all the spices and garcinia cambogia. Every time I cook one, I am reminded of my mother.

Every time I smell the baking of a cake, I remember my grandma.

Do You Really Need It in Every Indian Dish?

No, if I am being frank with you, I would say that it is not.

It is not necessary to put garam masala in every dish.

Last night, while I was cooking chicken cutlets, I had all the ingredients: chicken, onion, green chillies, et cetera, and I kept telling myself that nothing else was necessary.

And then I noticed the garam masala sitting next to me.

For a second, I was hesitant. The mixture already looked perfect. However, I could not help myself and poured in a spoonful of it.

As the cutlets sizzled away in the pan, I recognized the familiar aroma. And that is when I knew that I had done the right thing.

Sometimes, I think that I add garam masala to the dishes for the aroma alone. Once it touches the hot pan, there is something special about the kitchen.

Indian moms are so used to putting garam masala in their food that it has become almost impossible for us to think of any dish without it. Almost as if the flavor were incomplete without it.

How Do You Know It Is Not Needed?

Your conscience tells you.

You know the dish is already good enough. You know it does not really need another spice.

Yet you give in.

You add that extra pinch and then feel a slight sense of guilt or heaviness. But deep down, you trust that it will only make the dish tastier.

And usually, it does.

The Spicier, The Better

At least for me, the spicier the better.

A dish without spices often feels bland and lacks that spark. There is a sense of comfort in food that has some heat and personality. Turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, and many other spices are used here. Yet garam masala feels different. It doesn’t demand attention. It quietly ties everything together.

By the end of the meal, your lips should burn ever so slightly. That is often the sign that the spices have done their job.

We Are Good at Experimenting

One thing I have noticed about Indian mothers is how good they are at experimenting.

They are given limited resources, and they would still come up with something yummy.

Their creation might not be suitable for a five-star hotel, but their creativity is what makes their creations unique. It may not have a fancy name. But somehow, it works.

They create variations, adjust flavors, and make the most of what is available. That creativity is what makes home-cooked food special.

Of course, not every experiment in the kitchen ends well. Of course, there are times when dishes I have cooked tasted better in my mind than actually on the plate. That is because cooking is an exciting activity; you learn from mistakes you commit. Every mistake teaches you something.

Cooking Is an Art

Cooking is more than just sticking to a recipe. This is one of the ways to get into someone’s heart.

Like music, food has the power of uplifting our moods, making us feel good and bringing us closer to each other.

No matter what spices are used and what are not used, the only criterion that needs to be fulfilled is that the food must go straight to the heart. It will then be considered to be a good dish.

I enjoy cooking and experimenting with food. Whatever food I make, there is one ingredient that finds a place in everything: garam masala.

Conclusion

But if there is one thing in my kitchen that will not remain empty, it is my garam masala container. I may try many new recipes, but there are some things that are just too tough to resist. Garam masala is no ordinary spice for me.

It gives warmth and character to a dish. That is the one thing that can take any regular dish and make it extraordinary.

Every chef has his special ingredient. Garam masala happens to be mine. My special ingredient is garam masala.

I do not see that changing anytime soon.