Garam Masala

Makes: About ¼ cup

Time: 15 minutes

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Literally “warm mixture,” this North Indian spice blend can be customized to your taste and used wherever a recipe calls for curry powder.

• 10 cardamom pods, seeds only (discard the hulls)
• 1 3-inch cinnamon stick
• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1. Put all the ingredients in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook, shaking the pan occasionally, until lightly browned and fragrant, just a few minutes.
2. Cool, then grind to a fine powder in a spice or coffee grinder. Store in a tightly covered opaque container for up to several months.