Fresh Garam Masala Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cinnamon stick (2-1/2 to 3 inches long), broken into pieces
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 cup cumin seeds
• 1/3 cup coriander seeds
• 1 Tbs. green cardamom pods
• 1 Tbs. whole black peppercorns
• 2 tsp. whole cloves
• 1 small dried red chile, stemmed
• 1/4 tsp. nutmeg (preferably freshly grated)
• 1/8 tsp. ground mace

Method:

1. Heat the cinnamon, bay leaves, cumin seeds.
2. Add coriander seeds, cardamom pods, peppercorns, cloves, and chile in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
3. 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.
4. Immediately transfer to a plate or bowl to cool.
5. Add the nutmeg and mace.
6. Now grind the spices in a spice grinder to a fine powder, working in batches if necessary.