Fresh. She got the ones you ground up at the store. I think the recipe she used was just a “moderate” style if that makes sense.
If you're using Garam masala (or any spice blends), i'd add it towards the end of the cook time - typically such blends are made of toasted spices & if you add them too early, the aroma and flavors would get lost from being in the cooking liquids for a long time.
Been a minute for me getting some Indian food. Just put in an order for lamb vindaloo, chicken tikka masala, garlic naan, and samosas
An Indian place around the corner from my house has the best goat curry I’ve ever had. Add in some garlic naan, and it’s an unreal meal.