India’s most famous seasoning is Garam masala. It’s actually a combination of dried spices including pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cumin, coriander, tej patta, pepper, and some others. It is used in many dishes, including Chana Masala. Add one to two teaspoons while your onions are frying, or while your sauce is simmering. Sometimes it’s used as Garnish.

Check out our article on how to make garam masala, and use it in Indian cuisine. We should note that of all spices, garam masala is the most diverse. It’s like no other spice in that the list of ingredients used to make it vary immensely from region to region, and hence the taste does also. Some contain mustard, some contain a lot of fennel, some just a little, but no matter what food you’re eating, this spice, rather this mix of spices will likely be an ingredient.