Ingredients
2 tbsp coriander seed
1 tbsp cumin seed
2 tsp black peppercorn
2 tsp ground cinnamon or ½ cinnamon stick
1 tsp cardamom seeds (seeds from about 20 pods)
1 tsp fennel seed
½ tsp whole cloves
4 dried bay leaf
Method
Toast the whole spices in a small pan until they are aromatic and have turned a shade or two darker. Don’t be tempted to skip this stage, as it really enhances the flavours.
Tip into a spice grinder (or use a pestle and mortar), then add the ready-ground spices and dried herbs if required, and crush to a fine powder. Store in a sealed jar for up to six months.