Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
• 1 tablespoon cuminseed
• Seeds from 10 cardamom pods
• 2 teaspoons mustard seeds
• 2 teaspoons fenugreek
• 2 teaspoons black peppercorns
• 1 heaping teaspoon whole cloves
• 3-inch cinnamon stick, broken in half

Instructions

1. Heat a dry small skillet over moderately high heat until it is hot and in it toast the spices in batches if necessary, stirring frequently and covering the skillet when the mustard seeds begin to pop, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they are several shades darker and fragrant, being careful not to let them burn. In a mortar with a pestle or in an electric coffee grinder grind the toasted spices to a powder and transfer the powder to a jar with a tight-fitting lid. The garam masala keeps, covered and chilled, for 1 month;