INGREDIENTS

6 3-inch cinnamon sticks
4 teaspoons cardamom seeds (measure after removing pods)
2 teaspoons whole cloves
2 teaspoons blades of mace or 1/2 nutmeg, grated

COOKING METHOD

Roast spices separately and grind in a blender or with a mortar and pestle. Add grated nutmeg

Store in a glass jar with airtight lid.

NOTES

Spices are the soul of Indian cooking. Garam masala, is a classic mixture of ground spices, added to many Indian dishes. It is often added with other spices at the frying stage, and also during the last moments of cooking. If stored airtight in a dark and cool place, garam masala will stay fresh for up to six months.

There are good commercial brands of garam masala available, but if you are a spice enthusiast, you might want to impress your friends and family with your own personal garam masala blend. There are many variations of recipes of garam masala. Here are three good ones, each with differing amounts of the spices which vary the "spiciness" of the mixture. Enjoy!