Staple Corner: How to Make Your Own Garam Masala (Part 2)

Considering I keep so many staples on hand in my overstuffed kitchen, I was shocked to discover during dinner preparation that I was completely out of garam masala — is a key ingredient in so many Indian dishes. Thankfully, it is easy to make up your own fresh blend, which I have been meaning to do again anyways because the taste is far superior to store-bought blends and it keeps for a few months in a well-sealed jar. This flavorful, dark and rather complex and smoky blend has been perfected over the years and has become a staple in my kitchen.

More recipes for homemade garam masala can be found here.

Homemade Garam Masala

Recipe by Lisa Turner Cuisine: Indian Published on April 29, 2011 A dark, robust and smoky version of the famous warming and fragrant Indian garam masala spice blend Preparation: 10 minutes Cooking time: 5 minutes Print this recipe Ingredients: 1/2 cup whole dried red chilies, crushed generous handful dried curry leaves 2 tablespoons coriander seeds 1 tablespoon poppy seeds 1 tablespoon black peppercorns 2 teaspoons cumin seeds 1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds 6 green cardamom pods 2 black cardamom pods 2 whole star anise 2 3-inch sticks cinnamon, broken 1/2 teaspoon ground mace 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil 1/2 teaspoon asafetida Instructions: In a medium bowl, combine the chilies, curry leaves, coriander seeds, poppy seeds, peppercorns, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, cardamom pods, star anise, cinnamon sticks, mace, and toss with sesame oil. Preheat a frying pan over medium heat. When hot, add the spice mixture and stir and fry for 5 minutes or until the spices darken a few shades. Transfer back to the bowl and let cool. Blend the spices in coffee or spice grinder or in a blender until finely ground. Stir in the asafetida. Store in a tightly-sealed jar away from heat or light for up to 4 months. Makes about 1 cup

Other spice blends you may enjoy from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:
Chat Masala
Sambar Masala
Chana Masala Powder

On the top of the reading stack: Pure and Simple: Homemade Indian Vegetarian Cuisine by Vidhu Mittal

Audio Accompaniment: Markus Guentner