How to Toast Spices

Toasting spices is a method commonly used when cooking Indian cuisine. When spices are toasted, their flavors intensify - adding a deeper demension to your food.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a small cast iron or heavy skillet
• whole spices - such as cumin seed, coriander seed, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, and peppercorns

1. Place the spices you are toasting into the cast iron skillet.

2. Place the skillet over medium heat.

3. Toast the spices for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The spices are toasted when they are highly aromatic and have turned a shade darker.

Tips & Warnings

• Some spices may toast quicker than others. Remove spices before they begin to burn.

[TimmieL]

on 8/11/2008 I will be anxious to try this meathod the next time I make my favorite Indian dish. Sounds easy, too. Thanks for the tip!