Garam Masala

An aromatic blend of spices

Garam Masala is a great pantry staple to have to hand, some of the dishes you can create with its unique flavour combination include; - Garam Masala Vegetable Curry, Spiced Chicken Tikka Masala, Fragrant Basmati Rice Pilaf, Masala-Spiced Roasted Potatoes, Garam Masala Coconut & Lentil Soup

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: Oven method : 2.5hours & 30mins cooling; Pan method:Toast 2 mins, cool 15mins
Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 black cardamom pod
  • 4 cloves
  • 5g black peppercorns
  • 2 large cinnamon sticks
  • 10g coriander seeds
  • 5g cumin seeds
  • 4g fennel seeds
  • 2g star anise
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2g mace blades
  • 10g poppy seeds
  • 2g dried rose petals

Method

  1. OVEN METHOD
    Heat the oven to 50°C (lowest Gas). Spread everything apart from the poppy seeds and rose petals on a baking sheet.
    Place in the oven for 21⁄2 hours.
  2. Add the poppy seeds and rose petals to the tray, place it back in the oven and turn the oven off. Allow the mixture to cool in
    the switched-off oven for 30 minutes.
  3. Transfer the cooled spice mix to a spice grinder and grind to a fine powder.
  4. PAN METHOD
    Put everything apart from the poppy seeds and rose petals into a cold, dry frying pan and place over a medium heat to
    warm, shaking the pan occasionally.
  5. Toast for 2 minutes, then turn off the heat.
  6. Add the poppy seeds and rose petals, and let the mixture cool in the pan.
  7. Transfer the cooled spice mix to a spice grinder and grind to a fine powder.