Some toast whole dry spices, such as cumin seed or mustard seed, in a pan for a minute until the seeds begin to pop.

NPR: Indian Food: Eating in Technicolor

Here, star anise, cardamom, dried chilies, fennel seed, cumin and Sichuan peppercorns provide sweetness, smoke, heat and striking complexity.

WSJ: Danny Bowien's Henan Chicken Stew | Slow Food Fast