Ingredients:
1 tbsp cloves
40g (1⁄2 cup) coriander seeds
1 tbsp fennel seeds
1 tbsp black mustard seeds
3 tbsp fenugreek seeds
2 tbsp black peppercorns
3 dried piri-piri (African birds’ eye) chillies, stems removed
3 tbsp cumin seeds
4 tbsp ground cardamom
4 tbsp ground turmeric
1 tbsp ground ginger
2 tsp ground star anise
2 dried curry leaves, chopped into small pieces
1 bayleaf (Indian bay, preferably)
Method:
Place a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add all the whole spices and dry toast for about 90 seconds, until aromatic. Turn out onto a plate and set aside to cool.
Once cold, transfer the toasted spices into a spice or coffee grinder. Pulse to chop then render into a fine powder. Add the remaining spices (plus the curry and bayleaves) and pulse the coffee grinder to mix.
Store in an air-tight jar. The curry powder will keep for up to 6 months in a cool, dark, cupboard.