Garam masala is a blend of ground spices used extensively in Indian cuisine. The spices for garam masala are usually toasted to bring out more flavor and aroma, and then ground. However, garam masala doesn't necessarily constitute a particularly spicy blend. The powdered form is often added at the end of cooking so that the aroma is not lost while as Whole garam masala is added early to the cooking fat, oil, or ghee for a more pungent flavour