Post 12: Glorious garam masala

Garam masala is a combination of heavenly warm spices. This powder adds a flavour profile to your cooking that is unique to India.

Please please make your own garam masala. It's the easiest thing to do and let me tell you that it keeps fresh in the freezer for decades. In the last 26 years I've made it twice and my current stock will last me for another year or more. If not frozen then you risk the powdered spices deteriorating rather quickly.

Plus when you buy whole spices, it is best to use them all up at one go. What’s the point in cluttering up your pantry shelves with leftovers and spices that are a shame to waste and rather expensive.

 So make an effort once and you have a beautiful garam masala to flavor your lentils and meat dishes. I don't add any cumin or coriander as those two powders are always there in my spice box. Additionally, it takes up less space in my freezer.

The ready made powders do not have the flavor and I often wonder as to what has actually gone into them... 

Here is my recipe for an authentic North Indian preparation…