Roasted Spice Powder

Garam masala is the most ubiquitous of India’s spice blends. There are almost as many recipes as there are Indian cooks. You can buy a commercial mix at an Indian market, but most households and restaurants there make their own. The dominant flavors of garam masala are cumin, coriander, black pepper, and green and black cardamom. Black cardamom is a large, almond-shaped black pod with a richly aromatic smoky flavor. I’ve made it optional, as you have to go to an Indian market or mail-order