This easy-to-make spice blend is the heart of most Indian dishes. A combination of different spices, it probably has as many recipes as there are families in India! Here is a very basic one. Once you get a feel for the taste it gives your cooking, experiment and alter it to suit your needs.
Garam Masala- Bay leaves 10 grams
- Coriander seeds 5 grams
- Cinnamon 20 grams
- Black pepper 20 grams
- Brown cardamom 15 grams
- Cloves 10 grams
- Cumin seeds 10 grams
Method- Heat a heavy skillet on a medium flame and gently roast all ingredients till they turn a quite a few shades darker. Stir occasionally. Do not be tempted to speed up the process by turning up the heat as the spices will burn on the outside and remain raw on the inside.
- When the spices are roasted turn off flame and allow to cool.
- Grind them to a very fine powder in a dry grinder.
- Store in an air-tight container in a cool, dark place.