Garam masala

Garam masala /all spice mix is the most commonly used spice mix in every Indian home.If you want to add that gourmet touch to a simple dish just sprinkle some garam masala and wait for the magic to engulf you.I always wonder why people pick up the store bought masala packets when you can easily do it at the comfort of your home .It isn't time consuming and plus you are free to add or avoid the spices of your choice.

In this age of adulteration you can play safe by grinding your own spices at home and you are aware of what is going in it, unlike the store bought ones where you are handed over a spice bottle in the name of garam masala and god knows what goes in it.The best masala is the one which is ground in  a mortar and pestle.But if you are not ready for an arm work out then a coffee grinder or a dry mill would be handy.Do not grind it to a fine powder ,a coarse powder adds character to the dish.Grind the masala in small batches so that it retains its freshness and aroma.

Recipe for Garam masala

Ingredients 

• 1/2 cup-coriander seeds/dhania
• 1/4 cup-cumin seeds
• 2 tablespoon-cloves
• 2 tablespoon-green cardamom
• 2 tablespoon-black pepper corns
• 4 - 2 inch cinnamon sticks
• 10 -black cardamom/badi elaichi
• 10 -bay leaves/tejpatta
• 2- star anise     

Instructions

1.To a pan add all the ingredients and dry roast at low flame until the aroma emanates.

2.Allow the spices to cool to room temperature.

3.Add the spice to a clean dry jar of a coffee grinder or a chutney grinder .

4.Grind it to a coarse powder and allow it to come to room temperature,store it in a clean dry bottle.

5.Your garam masala is ready and use it as required.