One of the true essentials for any Indian meal, in my mind, is toasted cumin seeds.
And they couldn't be easier to prepare...
Just place the seeds in a dry sauté pan, over medium heat, and toast until you begin to smell them and to see a bit of smoke.
Then, take them out of the pan at once to cool. When cool, grind them in a mortar and pestle.
And if you have an Indian grocery store in the neighborhood... what appears to be lifetime supply will cost... almost nothing!