Garam Masala.

Masala is a Hindi word referring to a seasoning blend made from herbs, spices, or dried aromatics such as onion or garlic. Garam masala simply means ‘warming spice mixture’ — many of the spices it contains, such as cardamom and black pepper, are traditionally considered warming in Ayurvedic healing.

Although you can buy garam masala pre-made, the taste of home-made is much nicer, especially if you grind your own spices, and you can easily adapt it to your own tastes. I make mine using an inexpensive coffee mill that I bought purely for spices.

Method.

1. Combine all the ingredients in a spice grinder or dedicated coffee mill.
2. Grind until evenly blended.
3. Transfer to an airtight jar and store away from light and heat.

Use anywhere you’d like a gently warming, complex spice note — in spiced eggs with squash, dhals and lentil soups, roasted cauliflower or pumpkin, or stirred into yoghurt as a quick sauce.