GARAM MASALA POWDER

 Ingredients 
 4tbsp    coriander seeds

 1tbsp    cumin seeds

 1tbsp   black pepper

 1½tsp black cumin seeds                     (shahjeera)

 1½tsp  dry ginger
 ¾tsp   black cardamom (3-4  large pods  approx)    

 ¾tsp    cloves

 ¾tsp    cinnamon

 ¾ tsp  crushed bay leaves

Directions

1. Heat a heavy skillet on a medium flame and gently roast all ingredients (leave cardamom in its pods till later) except the dry ginger, till they turn a few shades darker. Stir occasionally. Do not be tempted to speed up the process by turning up the heat as the spices will burn on the outside and remain raw on the inside. 
2. When the spices are roasted turn of the flame and allow them to cool.
3. Once cooled, remove the cardamom seeds from their skins and mix them back with all the other roasted spices.
4. Grind them all together, to a fine powder in a clean, dry  grinder.
5. Store in an air-tight container in a cool, dark place.

#Garam masala # is ready