19 Indian Masala Spice Mix Recipe You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 30, 2024
In addition to its rich history and cultural significance, Indian cuisine is beloved for its bold and flavorful spice blends. One of the most iconic and versatile spice mixes in Indian cooking is the masala mix. This aromatic blend of ground spices is used in a variety of dishes, from curries to marinades and even snacks. Making your own Indian masala spice mix at home is not only a cost-effective choice, but it also allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. Let us take a closer look at how to create this staple spice mix in your own kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Spice Mix, Madras Curry Powder, Chili Powder, Paprika
Spice up your beer can chicken with this flavorful Indian restaurant-style Madras curry recipe. The combination of aromatic spices like coriander, cumin, and turmeric, along with tangy tomatoes and creamy coconut milk, will give your chicken a deliciously unique twist. Serve it with naan bread for a complete Indian-inspired meal.
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Indian-Spiced Chickpea Curry (Chana Masala)
Main Ingredients: Flavored Oil, Yellow Onions, Garlic, Ginger, Serrano
For a vegetarian option, try this Indian-spiced chickpea curry, also known as Chana Masala. This dish is packed with protein and flavor from the combination of chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of traditional Indian spices like garam masala and amchur (dried mango powder). Serve it with some basmati rice for a filling and satisfying meal.
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Easy Chickpea Masala
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Red Onions, Garlic Cloves, Ginger Paste
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy the flavors of Indian cuisine, try this easy chickpea masala recipe. It only takes 20 minutes to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it a perfect weeknight meal option. Plus, the cardamom and cumin in this dish add a warm and comforting aroma to your kitchen.
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Indian Restaurant Dhansak Curry
Main Ingredients: Spice Mix, Chili Powder, Paprika, Methi, Kosher Salt
Dhansak curry is a popular Indian dish that combines sweet and sour flavors with a spicy kick. This recipe uses chicken as the protein, but you can also use lamb or vegetables. The key to this dish is the addition of jaggery, a type of unrefined sugar commonly used in Indian cooking. Serve this curry with some pulao rice or roti for a satisfying meal.
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Masala Chickpea Bowl with Chana masala Spice Chickpea...
Main Ingredients: Canned Chickpeas, Oil, Salt, Cayenne, Cumin Powder
This masala chickpea bowl is a healthy and flavorful twist on the traditional Chana Masala dish. The chickpeas are coated in a blend of spices like fenugreek, mustard seeds, and garam masala, and then roasted to perfection. Serve it in a bowl with some raita or chutney for a delicious and filling meal.
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Indian Restaurant Bhuna Curry
Main Ingredients: Spice Mix, Chili Powder, Paprika, Methi, Kosher Salt
Bhuna curry is a slow-cooked dish that results in tender and flavorful meat. This recipe uses chicken, but you can also use lamb or beef. The key to this dish is the ghee, a type of clarified butter commonly used in Indian cuisine, which gives the curry a rich and buttery flavor. Serve it with some paratha or chapati for a satisfying meal.
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Lamb Tikka Masala
Main Ingredients: Lamb, Yogurt, Garlic, Spice Mix, Salt, Clarified
For a decadent and indulgent meal, try this lamb tikka masala recipe. The lamb is marinated in a blend of spices, including cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon, and then cooked in a creamy and flavorful tomato sauce. Serve it with some naan bread or basmati rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Masala Chilli Chicken - Restaurant Style
Main Ingredients: Spice Mix, Madras Curry Powder, Chili Powder, Dried
This masala chilli chicken recipe is inspired by the popular Indian street food dish. The chicken is marinated in a spicy and tangy sauce made with red chili powder, ginger, and lemon juice, and then grilled to perfection. Serve it with some mint chutney and onion rings for a delicious and flavorful meal.
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Restaurant Chicken Tikka Masala
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken Thighs, Tandoori Masala, Kosher Salt
Chicken tikka masala is one of the most popular Indian dishes, and for a good reason. The combination of tender chicken pieces marinated in yogurt and spices, and a creamy tomato-based sauce makes for a mouth-watering meal. This recipe uses kasoori methi, also known as dried fenugreek leaves, to add a unique and fragrant flavor to the dish.
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Indian Restaurant Dopiaza Curry
Main Ingredients: Spice Mix, Chili Powder, Dried Fenugreek Leaves, Kosher
If you love onions, then you have to try this Indian restaurant-style dopiaza curry. The name "dopiaza" means "double onions," and this dish is packed with them. The chicken is slow-cooked in a flavorful sauce made with onions, cumin, and coriander, resulting in a hearty and satisfying meal. Serve it with some pilau rice or naan bread for a complete meal.
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Chana Masala
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Large Onions, Garlic Ginger Paste, Green
Chana masala is a classic Indian dish made with chickpeas, tomatoes, and a blend of fragrant spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander. This recipe also includes amchur (dried mango powder), which adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dish. Serve it with some roti or rice for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Indian Pea and Potato Curry
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Ginger, Small Potatoes
This simple yet delicious pea and potato curry is a staple in Indian households. It's a great vegetarian option that is packed with protein and flavor. The combination of potatoes, peas, and cumin results in a hearty and satisfying dish. Serve it with some chapati or rice for a complete meal.
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Roasted Butternut Tikka Masala
Main Ingredients: Butternut Squash, Olive Oil, Spice Blend, Salt
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, this roasted butternut tikka masala is a must-try. The butternut squash is roasted in a blend of spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander, and then simmered in a creamy and flavorful tomato-based sauce. Serve it with some naan bread or basmati rice for a delicious and filling meal.
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Chicken Tikka Masala
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken, Ground Cumin, Ground Coriander, Spice
No list of top Indian recipes is complete without the classic chicken tikka masala. This recipe uses boneless chicken thighs, which are marinated in a blend of spices and yogurt, and then grilled to perfection. The creamy tomato-based sauce is made with a combination of garam masala, ginger, and garlic, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying meal.
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Indian Spiced Chicken Drumsticks
Main Ingredients: Coriander Seeds, Cumin Seeds, Fennel Seeds, Canela
For an easy and crowd-pleasing option, try these Indian spiced chicken drumsticks. The combination of chili powder, garam masala, and coriander gives these drumsticks a delicious and aromatic flavor. Serve them with some raita and naan bread for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Slow Cooker Chana Masala
Main Ingredients: White Onion, Fresh Ginger, Garlic, Tomatoes, Spice Mix
This slow cooker chana masala recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you don't have time to cook. Simply throw all the ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a delicious and flavorful meal. The garam masala and amchur in this dish add a unique and delicious twist to the classic recipe.
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Vegan Channa Masala
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Onions, Tea, Tomato Puree, Ginger Paste, Red
For a vegan option, try this channa masala recipe made with chickpeas, tomatoes, and a blend of fragrant spices. The addition of coconut milk in this dish gives it a creamy and rich texture, while the turmeric and ginger add a warm and comforting flavor. Serve it with some brown rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Masala Spiced Lentils
Main Ingredients: Red Chili Pepper Flakes, Minced Garlic, Spice Mix
Lentils are a staple in Indian cuisine, and this masala spiced lentil recipe is a great way to incorporate them into your diet. The lentils are cooked in a blend of spices like coriander, cumin, and garam masala, resulting in a hearty and flavorful dish. Serve it with some chapati or rice for a satisfying and delicious meal.
If you're a fan of lamb, then you have to try this Indian restaurant-style lamb curry. The lamb is slow-cooked in a flavorful and aromatic sauce made with cinnamon, star anise, and cloves, resulting in tender and delicious meat. Serve it with some pulao rice or naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Masala Spiced Omelette
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Spice Mix, Ginger, Cayenne Pepper, Turmeric
For a unique and delicious breakfast option, try this masala spiced omelette. The omelette is flavored with a blend of spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander, and then filled with vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and spinach. Serve it with some toast and chai for a filling and flavorful breakfast.
How to Make Indian Masala Spice Mix at Home
Gather Your Ingredients
To make a basic Indian masala spice mix, you will need coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and dried red chilies. These are the essential spices that make up the base of the mix, but feel free to add your own twist by including other spices such as fennel seeds, mustard seeds, or nutmeg.
Toast and Grind
The key to unlocking the full potential of these spices is to toast them before grinding. Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add all the spices, except for the dried red chilies. Toast them for a few minutes until they become fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Next, add the dried red chilies and continue toasting for another minute. Remove from heat and let the spices cool down before grinding them into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
Store and Use
Once your Indian masala spice mix is ready, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This will keep the spices fresh and potent for up to six months. Use it as a rub for meats, vegetables, or tofu, or add it to your curries and stews for an extra kick of flavor. You can also sprinkle it on top of snacks like popcorn or roasted chickpeas for a delicious and spicy twist.
In Conclusion
Making your own Indian masala spice mix at home is not only a fun and rewarding experience, but it also allows you to control the quality and freshness of the ingredients. Experiment with different spice combinations and adjust the proportions to suit your taste preferences. With this homemade spice mix on hand, you can easily elevate your dishes with the bold and complex flavors of Indian cuisine.