Ingredients:

1. 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
2. 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
3. 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
4. 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
5. 5-6 green cardamom pods
6. 3-4 cloves
7. 2-3 bay leaves
8. 2-inch cinnamon stick
9. 1-2 dried red chili peppers (adjust to taste)
10. 1/2 nutmeg (grated, or use 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg)
11. 1 star anise
12. 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
13. 1 teaspoon ground ginger
14. 1 teaspoon ground garlic
15. 1/2 teaspoon ground mace (optional)
16. 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
17. Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a dry skillet or pan, toast the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, green cardamom pods, cloves, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and dried red chili peppers over medium heat. Toast them until they become fragrant and lightly browned, stirring frequently. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
2. Remove the toasted spices from the heat and allow them to cool to room temperature.
3. Once the spices have cooled, transfer them to a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Grind them into a fine powder.
4. Add the grated nutmeg, star anise, ground turmeric, ground ginger, ground garlic, ground mace (if using), ground cloves, and salt to the ground spice mixture.
5. Grind all the ingredients together until you have a uniform and fine biryani masala blend.
6. Taste the masala and adjust the salt or spices according to your preference.
7. Store the homemade biryani masala in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It should remain flavorful for several months.

To Use Biryani Masala:

1. When making biryani, add the biryani masala to your marinade for meats or vegetables. You can also sprinkle it between the layers of rice and meat/vegetables when assembling the biryani.
2. The quantity of biryani masala to use will depend on your personal taste and the size of the dish you’re preparing. Start with a teaspoon or two, taste, and adjust as needed.
3. Biryani masala can also be used in other rice dishes, curries, or even as a seasoning for grilled or roasted meats and vegetables.

Homemade biryani masala allows you to customize the spice blend to your liking and ensure the freshest and most aromatic flavors in your biryani.