Fragrant Curry Powder

Makes: About ¼ cup

Time: 10 minutes

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A mild and complex spice mix, perfect when you’re looking for loads of flavor without heat.

• 5 white cardamom pods, seeds only (discard the hulls)
• 3 whole cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 dried curry leaves (optional)
• 1 3-inch cinnamon stick
• ¼ cup coriander seeds
• 2 tablespoons cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground fenugreek

1. Put the cardamom seeds, cloves, bay leaves, curry leaves if you’re using them, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, peppercorns, and nutmeg in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook, shaking the pan occasionally, until lightly browned and fragrant, just a few minutes; for the last minute of cooking, add the fenugreek.
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.