The Biryani Masala
Ingredients :
- 2 pieces cinnamon stick - crushed to small pieces
- 8 green cardamom pods ( deskin )
- 8 black cardamom pods ( deskin )
- 8 - 10 cloves
- 1/8 whole nutmeg ( Jathika )
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbspn fennel seeds
- 5-6 tspns mace
- 1 tbspn caraway seeds ( shah jeera )
- 3 tbspns coriander seeds
- 1 tbspn cumin seeds
- 1 star anise
- 1 tbspn black peppercorns
- 10 dried chilies - wash , drain and toast . Leave aside until needed .
Method
Wash , drain and put to dry under sunlight the above spices / ingredients . Once dried , toast in a pan ( over med to low heat ) until crunch and fragrant . Frequently stirring them to avoid burning . Using a spice grinder or coffee grinder , grind the toasted spices and chilies until fine . Keep the powdered biryani spice in an air tight jar / container in a cool dark place .
