C41 Chettinad Garam Masala Paste

Garam Masala is essentially a mix of spices that can, conceivably, contain anything, and I have called this Chettinad as it tries to capture the essential elements from this region.

Ingredients

For 1 portion	Continued...
1 tbspn oil	½ tspn chilli powder (or to taste)
1 tspn desiccated coconut	½ tspn ground cinnamon
1 tspn garam masala

Preparation

Over a low heat, heat the oil in a wok or suitable pan.
Add the desiccated coconut and fry for about 15 seconds, or until the coconut becomes golden brown.
Add the garam masala, chilli powder and ground cinnamon and fry for about 15 seconds, being careful not to burn the coconut or spices.
Allow to cool and then grind to as fine a paste as possible in a pestle and mortar, adding a little more oil to help the process along.
This can be made beforehand and stored, covered, in the fridge.