Chaat masala is an extraordinary spice blend capable of elevating ordinary meals into delightful and flavorful experiences. Known for its zesty, hot, and fragrant combination, this ingredient is essential in Indian cooking, especially when it comes to street food such as chaat. Featuring a distinctive mixture of spices, chaat masala imparts a strong flavor that can revamp various dishes—from fruit salads to grilled veggies, snack items like bhel puri and even curry recipes. A mere dash of chaat masala can swiftly convert bland fare into tantalizing options with rich taste profiles that keep you craving for more.
If you want to refresh an old favorite recipe or bring some zest into a novel meal, chaat masala is your ideal choice. In this section, we have detailed a simple method for making chaat masala from scratch that you should definitely attempt.
Chaat Masala Recipe
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup coriander seeds
- 2 tbsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 5-6 cloves
- 10-12 dried red chillies
- 1 tsp hing
- 1 tbsp melon seeds
- 1 tsp nutmeg powder
- 1 tbsp ginger powder
- 2 tablespoons of amchur (dried mango powder)
- 1 tablespoon of dried mint powder
- 2 tbsp salt
- 2 tbsp rock salt
- 2 tbsp black salt
STEPS:
1. Start with dry-roasting the coriander seeds in a pan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until they become aromatic and slightly toasted.
2. Include cumin seeds, black pepper, cloves, dried red chilies, asafoetida, powdered nutmeg, and melon seeds in the pan, then keep roasting with frequent stirring until they release a comforting and aromatic scent.
3. Take the pan off the heat and allow the mixture to cool down entirely, enabling the flavors to combine thoroughly.
4. Move the cooled spice blend to a mixer grinder jar and process until you achieve a fine powder, making sure all the spices are thoroughly mixed and ground.
5. Include dry ginger powder, dried mango powder, dried mint powder, salt, rock salt, and black salt in the grinder jar and blend thoroughly. Process the ingredients once more till the spices are uniformly mixed.
6. Sift the chaat masala powder using a fine mesh sieve to eliminate any clumps or larger pieces. Keep the powder in an airtight jar to maintain its freshness.
Benefits of Consuming Saunth Churna
Garam masala helps with digestion by soothing the stomach and decreasing bloating, indigestion, and acid reflux. The cumin within it enhances bile production, which assists in breaking down fats, while its inherent qualities calm the stomach, fostering better digestion and alleviating unease.
The antioxidants present in spices like cumin, coriander, and fennel strengthen the immune system by tackling free radicals and reducing inflammation. Amchur, which is high in vitamin C along with other spices, helps the body ward off infections and enhances immune performance.
Garam masala may assist with weight reduction through an increased metabolic rate and calorie burn. Ingredients such as black pepper and cumin help elevate your body’s metabolic process, facilitating smoother fat breakdown and contributing to a healthier approach for shedding pounds.
FURTHER READING: 5 Easy Ways to Ensure Your Kitchen Spices Stay Fresh for Longer
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