Balchao masala

• 4 RED CHILLIES, chopped
• 1/2 TBSP CORIANDER SEEDS
• 1/2 TSP BLACK PEPPERCORNS
• 1/2 TSP TURMERIC
• 7 CLOVES GARLIC, chopped
• PIECE OF GINGERROOT, chopped
• 1 TBSP VINEGAR
• 1/2 TSP SALT

• 10 RED CHILLIES, chopped
• 5 PODS CARDAMOM, cut open and use inside seeds
• 1 TBSP CORIANDER SEEDS
• 1 TSP CUMIN SEED
• 1 TSP FENUGREEK SEEDS
• 1/4 TSP TURMERIC
• 6 CLOVES GARLIC, chopped
• 10 PEPPERCORNS, crushed

Put all ingredients together and puree them in a food processor or using pestle and mortar. Put in a glass jar and keep in the fridge. Stir fry a few minutes before use. Most important ingredients in for instance shrimp balchao.

Stir fry chillies, coriander, cumin, peppercorns, fenugreek, turmeric and garlic for 5 minutes. Put the spices together with 1/4 cup of oil and the cardamom and grind them finely. Store airtight in the fridge.