masala

Masala (also transliterated as "massala") (Hindi: मसाला);(Urdu: مصالہ‏) is a term used in South Asian cuisines (including Indian, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani cuisines) to describe a mixture of spices. A masala can either be a combination of dried (and usually dry roasted) spices, or a paste (such as vindaloo masala) made from a mixture of spices and other ingredients—often garlic, ginger, and onions. It is used extensively in Indian cooking to add spice and flavor.

Source: Wikipedia