Garam Masala Powder

​Ingredients
3 cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces
2 tablespoons green cardamon pods, husked
1 tablespoon black cardamom pods, husked
2 tablespoon cloves
2 tablespoon cumin seeds
2 tablespoon black peppercorns
1 dried red chili (optional)
¼ whole nutmeg, grated
¼ cup coriander seed
2 bay leaves
 
Directions:

1. Dry roast the spices in a small, heavy-based pan over medium flames for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly until the spices become a shade darker.
2. The spices will give off a distinct flavorful smokey aroma.  Remove the spices from the pan and place in a grinder (coffee grinder).  Grind them into a fine powder.
3. Sieve the powder through a big metal strainer to make sure to eliminate any big pieces or put the big pieces back in the grinder.
4. Allow powder to cool and store in an airtight container and use for up to 6 months.