A mixture of spices used in Indian cuisine to flavor food.

Origin: The word 'मसाला' (masala) comes from the Arabic word 'masalih', which means ingredients or spices. It was adopted into Hindi through the Persian influence on Indian languages during the Mughal era.
Historical and Cultural Context: Spices have been an integral part of Indian cuisine and trade for centuries, with masala representing a quintessential element of Indian cooking.
Evolution: Over time, different regions in India have developed their own unique blends of masala, such as garam masala, chai masala, and tandoori masala, each with distinct flavors and uses.
Modern Relevance: Today, masala is not only used in traditional Indian dishes but has also been embraced globally, influencing world cuisines and being incorporated into fusion foods.

Did you know that 'chai masala', a popular blend used in spiced tea, often contains black pepper, which was once as valuable as gold in ancient trade routes?