Nairobi Kitchen

This week’s featured spice is Garam Masala, a fragrant and flavorful blend that lies at the heart of Indian cooking. Made from warming spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, garam masala brings depth and complexity to curries, stews, rice, and even snacks. Its name means “hot spice,” but it refers to the warmth it adds, not the heat. Beyond its culinary appeal, garam masala is believed to aid digestion and boost metabolism. Whether store-bought or homemade, just a pinch can transform your dish from simple to sensational. Garam masala is a fragrant and warming spice blend that holds a special place in South Asian cooking, particularly in Indian cuisine. The name itself comes from the Hindi words “garam,” meaning hot, and “masala,” meaning spice mix. However, the “heat” here doesn’t refer to spiciness but rather to the warming qualities these spices bring to the body. In Ayurvedic tradition, garam masala is believed to help stimulate digestion and improve metabolism, making it a flavorful and healthful addition to many dishes.