Garam Masala

⅓ cup cumin seeds

3 tablespoons coriander seeds

3 (4 inch) cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces

5 bay leaves

1 teaspoon nutmeg

5 whole star anise pods

14 green cardamom pods

1 teaspoon whole cloves

1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

1 teaspoon ground mace

Toast the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, nutmeg, anise pods, cardamom pods, cloves, peppercorns, and mace together in a skillet over medium heat until very fragrant and you can literally see the scent rising into the air, 8 to 12 minutes; remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly, about 10 minutes.

Pour the spice mixture into a grinder; grind into a fine powder. Store in an airtight container.