Garam Masala

Use this as a basis for your Indian inspired dishes.

The raw spices in the grinder, ready to be crushed into Indian cuisine goodness!

3 large cinnamon sticks, about 3 tablespoons of cinnamon bark bits
3 tablespoons whole cloves
1/4 cup green cardamom pods, shelled, husks discarded, should be about 2 tablespoons of seeds
4 large black cardamom pods, shelled, husks discarded, should be about 1 tablespoon of seeds, optional

Combine the cinnamon sticks, cloves, green cardamom seeds, black cardamom seeds, if using, in a spice grinder or coffee grinder and grind until fine.

Store the spice mix in an airtight container away from direct sunlight.

Yield: about 1/2 cup.