Roasting spice seeds helps bring out the flavor of the seeds. You can use roasted spice seeds to make spice blends such as Indian garam masala, which includes cardamom, clove, cumin, nutmeg, black pepper and coriander seeds. You can make your roasted spice seed blend or use each roasted spice seed individually in dishes such as smoked ham, grilled fish and sauteed veggies. You can buy spice seeds at health food stores; they can come in jars. Choose organic spice seeds to avoid harmful residues of pesticides and other chemicals used with conventionally grown crops.
Step 1
Place your spice seeds in a heavy bottom or cast-iron pan. Ideally you want to roast each spice separately so you can store them in individual containers for later use. If you are going to use your roasted spice seeds immediately after roasting and are making a blend, you can roast them together, always roasting the ones with the thickest skin first and any ground-up spice seeds last.
Step 2
Put your pan on your stove top at medium to low heat to keep it consistent and slow to rise. If your pan gets too hot, it may burn your seeds before they are roasted, which oftentimes makes them taste bitter.
Step 3
Stir your spice seeds frequently as the heat begins to rise, using a wooden spatula. This will prevent them from burning. You will need to stir the spice seeds the entire time you are roasting them, which may take up to 10 minutes. You will know when your spice seeds are done when their fragrance is strong and their color changes to a darker tone.
Step 4
Remove from heat and spread your roasted spice seeds in a large flat dish or a baking sheet to allow them to cool. Turn your roasted spice seeds with a spoon or a fork to let any steam out from the heat, because if they stay trapped, the seeds may become moist and soggy. Once your roasted spice seeds have cooled, you can then store them in glass containers or grind them using a food processor or a mortar and pestle.
Tips and Warnings
- You can store your roasted spice seeds in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life, especially if you grind them. Keep a blend of roasted and ground spice seeds to flavor your salads and other dishes.
Things You'll Need
- Heavy bottom or cast-iron pan
- Wooden spatula
- Large plate or baking sheet
- Spoon or fork
- Storage container
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