Indian Basic Recipes - Spice Mixture (Garam Masala) Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (75 g) cumin seeds

• 2 tablespoons coriander seeds

• 3 cinnamon sticks (3 in/8 cm each)

• 10-12 green cardamom pods, bruised

• 4-5 black cardamom pods, bruised 10 cloves

• 1/2 nutmeg, broken

• 3-4 blades mace

• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns

• 4 whole star anise

• 5 bay leaves

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Method:

1. Dry-roast all the spices in a non­stick wok or skillet and heat over a very low fire, stirring the spices continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant. Allow to cool, then grind to a powder in a blender or a mortar and pestle.

2. Store in an airtight bottle (if stored in the freezer, spices keep fresh almost indefinitely).

Note: Garam masala is called for in many Indian recipes. While the freshly prepared spice mixture is more flavorful, pre-blended garam masala can also be found in Asian food stores.