Indian Yogurt Marinade

Preparation

1. Toast 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon coriander seeds, 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, 2 teaspoons mustard seeds, and 2 green cardamom pods in a dry skillet over medium heat until they darken slightly and become fragrant, about 1 1/2 minutes. Grind to a fine powder in a spice grinder (or clean coffee grinder), then puree in a blender with 6 coarsely chopped garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons coarse salt, finely grated zest and juice of 2 limes, 4 coarsely chopped small fresh chiles (about 2 tablespoons), 1 coarsely chopped medium white onion (about 1 cup), and 1/2 cup plain yogurt to form a smooth paste. Transfer to a nonreactive dish. Makes enough for 1 pound of meat. Refrigerate until ready to use, up to 3 days.