Most people have heard of Garam masala, the popular spice mix that comes from Northern India, but perhaps fewer have heard of “Goda masala,” a Maharashtrian blend used in most dishes that come from the area. Blackish in color, Goda masala is traditionally made with over 15 different spices, including roasted chili powder, coriander, cumin, sesame seeds, asafetida, and turmeric, along with several more esoteric ones like dagad phool (lichen), naag keshar (the lethal-sounding “cobra’s saffron”), and badal phool (star anise), all roasted and ground together. As for the exact proportions and method of preparation, every family has their own recipe—get on the good side of a Marathi grandmother and just maybe she’ll tell you. Read Less