How to make indian garam masala
- Preheat oven to 200 degrees F. Roast all ingredients except ginger in an ungreased 9 x 13-inch baking pan on bottom oven rack for 30 minutes. Stir several times.
- Remove from oven and let cool.
- Use your fingers to break open cardamom pods. Remove seeds and discard pods.
- With a rolling pin, crush the cinnamon sticks between two towels or in a plastic bag.
- Combine all spices except ginger in a bowl and mix well.
- Grind the mixture in an electric grinder or blender(*) until it's a fine powder, about 30 seconds.
- Add ground ginger and mix well.
- Stored in a sealed jar at room temperature, garam masala will stay fresh for up to six months.
(*) If you use an electric blender, your garam masala will be fairly coarse. You may also use a traditional tool called a mortar and pestle, a bowl and thick grinding stick.
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Makes 1 cup