Step 1

Place the star anise, cinnamon, and cloves in a dry frying pan. Over medium heat, toast the spices and keep stirring and shaking them to avoid burning. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Add the fennel and the Sichuan peppercorns, but only toast them for 2-3 minutes.

Step 2

Transfer the toasted spices into your spice grinder and blitz until fine. You can sieve the powder to filter any large pieces. Transfer to a clean, lidded jar.