Garam Masala

Ingredients

• 1/2 tsp ground green cardamom
• 1/2 tbsp ground black cardamom
• 3 tsps cinnamon (2 sticks)
• 1 tbsp cloves (15 cloves)
• 1 tbsp coriander seeds
• 1 tbsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp grated nutmeg
• 1 tbsp whole black peppercorns
• 3 tsps whole dried red chiles

Directions

1. Carefully, heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until fully heated and slightly smoking.
2. Add all ingredients and shake and stir for about a minute, or until the spices smell toasted, are slightly darker, and give off just a slight bit of smoke. Remove from the heat and let cool.
3. Grind to a fine powder in a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle, and store in an air-tight container.
4. Note: this is not a very spicy mix; use it for flavor not heat. This is also infinitely adjustable; if you don't like certain flavors or want to adjust their intensity, just play with the proportions of the spices.