A Masala is a spice blend.

The two masala curries that you typically find on North Indian menus in the US are Chana Masala and Chicken Tikka Masala (the latter is a classic fake ethnic dish, supposedly invented in Glasgow).

Both curries have a pretty similar flavor profile: onion, garlic, chili and ginger; tomato; garam masala, cumin, and turmeric; amchoor powder or lemon juice.

For the tikka masala, the curry is then pureed and mixed with cream before simmering with browned chicken chunks.

Makhani means butter!

This recipe is adapted from http://vegeyum.wordpress.com/2008/06/23/dalmakhani/

Garam = Hot. Masala = Spice.

Mostly used as a flavoring after cooking