Garam Masala

I once did a curry cooking course with Mr Ali, of the http://kushibalti.wordpress.com/  fame. The most important thing I learnt was “make your own garam masala”.  A few people have asked for my recipe, and here it is:

• 5 parts coriander seed
• 5 parts cumin seed
• 3 parts mustard seed
• 1 part de-shelled black cardamom
• 1 part de-shelled green cardamom
• 1 part fenugreek seed
• 1 part fennel seed
• 1 part caraway seed
• 1 part cinnamon bark

Put all in a heavy saucepan and toast on a high heat until the coriander and mustard seeds are popping nicely, shaking or stirring so that the seeds don’t burn. Allow to cool, then grind.