The literal meaning of this tasty and popular mix is “hot spices”.

Garam masala is a pre-made mixture of a number of ground spices which might include peppercorns, bay leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg and saffron. Use it in meat and poultry dishes to add a glorious fragrance. Buy a big tub of ready-mixed or experiment with your own flavours. It’s popular in Indian, Bangladeshi and Pakistani cooking.

Spices have been linked to many health benefits - they contain vitamins, minerals and substances called anti-oxidants which may help protect against certain cancers.

It’s a key ingredient in popular restaurant dish rogan josh.