Seasoning Mixture and Basic Recipes - South Indian Garam Masala

Ingredients

• 3 cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces

• 50 g/2 oz/1/2 cup green cardamom pods, husked

• 30 ml/2 tbsp black cardamom pods, husked

• 25 g/1 oz/1/4 cup cloves

• 25 g/1 oz/1/4 cup black peppercorns

• 3 dried red chilies

• 1/4 whole nutmeg, grated

• 25 g/1 oz/1/4 cup cumin seeds

• 50 g/2 oz/1/2 cup coriander (cilantro) seeds

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Method:

1. Roast the spices in a small, heavy based pan over a medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly until they become a shade darker than their original color.

2. The spices will also give out a distinct aroma and the pan will emit light fumes of smoke. Remove the spices from the pan and grind them to a fine powder in a spice or coffee grinder. Store in an airtight jar for up to 6 months.