Chaat Powder (Masala)
Submitted by sean
Chaat masala, the tangy, sour Indian spice blend built on amchoor (dried mango powder) with cumin, coriander, ginger, and a kick of cayenne. Sprinkle it on fruit, potatoes, and snacks for instant zing.
YIELD
8 servingsPREP
5 minCOOK
0 minREADY
5 minChaat masala is the magic dust behind India’s beloved street snacks, a tangy, sour, savory blend you sprinkle on at the end to make everything pop. Making your own from fresh-ground spices beats the jarred stuff and lets you tune it to taste.
The defining flavor is amchoor, dried green mango powder, which brings a puckery sourness no other spice quite matches. Around it, cumin and ground coriander add earthy warmth, ginger and black pepper bring gentle heat, and a little cayenne gives a kick.
For the truly authentic funky-tangy edge, swap half the salt for black salt (kala namak), with its distinctive sulfurous tang.
Toast and grind any whole spices fresh for the brightest flavor, then mix and store airtight.
A pinch transforms simple things instantly: sprinkle it over sliced fruit, roasted potatoes, salads, or classic Indian chaat.
Kitchen Tips
- Grind whole spices fresh for the most vibrant blend.
- Seek out amchoor and black salt at an Indian market; they’re what make it taste authentic.
- Store airtight away from light to keep it potent.
- Add it at the end, after cooking, so its tangy flavor stays bright.
Variations
- Add a pinch of ground fennel or asafoetida for more depth.
- Bump the cayenne for a spicier blend.
- Stir in a little dried mint for a fresh note.
Ingredients
Directions
This recipe makes about ¼ cup of this chaat masala spice blend. You can find it in Indian markets but it’s just as easy to make your own blend with fresh ground spices. Feel free to vary it according to your own tastes.
If you can find black salt (at an Indian market) sub out half the regular salt for ½ of the black salt.
Amchoor (dried mango powder) can be found in Indian markets or well stocked supermarkets and bulk stores.
Grind any whole spices in a pestle mortar or spice grinder (aka coffee grinder).
Mix all ingredients together thoroughly and store in an air tight container.
This spice blend works well sprinkled on potatoes, vegetables and fruit to jazz up the flavors instantly.
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