Garam Masala
Masala is a word that is often used in Indian cooking. It literally means a blend of several spices. Garam (hot) masala is the most important blend and an absolute essential to north Indian preparations. The basic garam masala is a blend of cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and black pepper.
Chai Masala is a spice blend used to make Chai, the Indian word for tea. This blend contains spices such as ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. These are used whole to make Indian Tea.
These blends can be bought at a store already mixed and ground, but for an individual taste, you can blend it at home. Be sure to buy whole spices. You may have to look for an international market for some of them. Mix the whole spices, then grind them in a coffee grinder reserved for grinding spices. You may like the taste of spicy coffee, but coffee flavor in the spices isn’t so good. Masala blends vary so feel free to delete anything that isn’t to your taste.
12 cardamom pods
1 stk cinnamon
1 tbs coriander seed
1 tbs Cumin seed
1 tbs Fennel Seed
2 tsp peppercorn
8 whole cloves
Place in coffee grinder and grind until a smooth mix. Store in an airtight container in the freezer. Use within one month.