Garam Masala

Garam Masala

Ingredients
  • 1 each cinnamon stick, (2-1/2 to 3 inches long) broken into pieces
  • 2 each bay leaves
  • ¼ cup cumin seeds
  • ⅓ cup coriander seeds
  • 1 tablespoon green cardamom pods
  • 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
  • 2 teaspoons whole cloves
  • 1 each small dried red chile, stemmed
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, (preferably freshly grated)
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground mace
Method:
  1. Heat the cinnamon, bay leaves, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, cardamom pods, peppercorns, cloves, and chile in a medium skillet over medium-high heat, stirring often, until the cumin seeds darken to a deep, toasty brown color, 2 to 3 minutes—the spices may crackle and smoke a bit.
  2. Immediately transfer to a plate or bowl to cool.
  3. Add the nutmeg and mace, and grind the spices in a spice grinder to a fine powder, working in batches if necessary.