I'm not a great fan of chaat masala, BUT it's not the same with my extended family.
My maternal grandmother was an expert in making chaat masala from scratch. Although I never liked adding chaat masala to my daily meals, hers was hard to resist.
Nowadays we easily get chaat masala from supermarkets but back in the day, it was a tradition to make it at home.
Chaat masala is used like salt and pepper in desi families. In my house, it is sprinkled literally on everything, be it daal chawal, chaat, simple yoghurt, and certain fruits.
This delightful seasoning is a staple in Indian and Pakistani cuisine. Chaat masala is known for its tantalising taste that can jazz up anything from snacks to salads.
Chaat masala is a mix of many aromatic spices roasted and then blended into powder. Each spice holds a personality and impacts the overall taste of the flavour booster.
Whether sprinkled over crispy papris or mixed into refreshing yoghurt-based chaats, it elevates even the simplest meal into something extraordinary.
Let's explore how you can incorporate chaat masala and stay with us until the end to snatch my grandmother's world-famous recipe.
How to Cook with Chaat Masala: Bring a Twist to Your Dishes
In daily practice, chaat masala is used just for sprinkling, but it also works wonders in cooking. Here are some methods for incorporating chaat masala into cooking.
Curries & Stews
One of the simplest ways to incorporate chaat masala is in curries and stews. Stir in a teaspoon or two during the last few minutes of cooking. This preserves the vibrant flavour while adding depth to lentil soups or vegetable curries.
Marinades
Marinades are another excellent application for chaat masala.
Mixing it with yoghurt, garlic, and ginger creates a flavourful marinade for meat or paneer. Chaat masala infuses the dish with a unique taste and helps with the marination process.
Allow the marinated protein to sit for a few hours helps to enhance the flavours, resulting in a deliciously tangy and aromatic dish. The famous Lahori Chargha also has chaat masala in its marinade as a star ingredient to give it a tangy taste.
In Rice Dishes & Veggies
Chaat masala also works wonders in rice dishes. Sprinkling it into biryanis or pilafs just before serving adds a delightful tanginess that complements the spices already present in the rice.
Similarly, vegetables with olive oil and chaat masala take veggies to a whole new level.
Chaat Masala: The Sprinkle Style
Sprinkling on Snacks
Chaat masala can be generously sprinkled on a variety of snacks. For example, try it on roasted chickpeas, popcorn, or potato chips for an instant flavour boost. The tangy and spicy notes will elevate your snack game.
Fruit Chaat
In Ramadan, we have fruit chaat which remains incomplete without chaat masala.
Fresh fruits like mangoes, apples, or melon can be transformed with a light sprinkle of chaat masala. The combination of sweetness and spice creates a refreshing snack.
Similarly, adding it to sliced tomatoes or cucumber salads enhances their flavour.
Garnishing Dishes
Use chaat masala as a finishing touch on dishes like raita, yoghurt, or salads. Just a pinch sprinkled on top adds a pop of flavour and visual appeal. It's especially delightful on dishes that are creamy or tangy.
Blessing Chaats
The only way I love chaat masala is on chaat.
Chaat is incomplete without chaat masala. It adds spice, aroma and perfectly mingles together with the other spices. The taste of veggies and chickpeas completely changes with the addition of chaat masala.
Use fresh spices for the best flavour. The spice levels can be customised according to taste and spice tolerance.
Parting ways
Go overboard on your chaat masala stock with this heirloom recipe and bring a tangy twist to your food and snacks.
Some of the ingredients are hard to find. No worries, head over to Save Co online and find everything you need to make this best of the best chaat masala.
