Garam Masala

Originating from the cooler climes of northern India, garam masala is made with spices that are believed to create heat in the body. The basic mix includes more or less equal quantities of black pepper, cloves and cinnamon, with a dash of black cardamom. Sweet spices such as mace and nutmeg may also be included, and some cooks add ‘cooling’ green cardamom and bay leaf.

The recipe is a good basic mix from Vivek Singh, chef at London’s highly acclaimed Cinnamon Club. Vivek also has a special version which includes dried rose petals, star anise and fennel seeds.