Picture this: You are strolling via the bustling streets of Old Delhi, the place the air is aromatic with the aroma of spices and scorching snacks. The sight of distributors assembling plates of chaats, from crispy samosas to savoury aloo tikkis. And so as to add an additional zing to it, they sprinkle the legendary spice mix – Chaat Masala. Made with a concoction of varied spices, chaat masala is understood for its daring tangy flavours and aroma. You can pair it with fruits, sprinkle it over salted lassi or eat it with fried meals, there isn’t a such meals that this spice mix doesn’t complement. However, have you ever ever questioned what’s it made from? If sure, then you’ve arrived on the proper article! Read on to know which spices are used to make chaat masala!

Also Read: Indian Cooking Tips: How To Make Chaat Masala At Home

Amchur or dry mango powder provides tanginess to chaat masala.
Photo Credit: iStock

Which spices are used to make chaat masala?

The holy mixture of spices that result in the ultimate results of chaat masala will be divided into two elements – the necessities and the style enhancers. 

The Essential Masalas

1. Amchur (Dry Mango Powder)

Amchur or dry mango powder imparts a tangy, bitter flavour to chaat masala, lending the signature tartness that elevates the tastes of our pani puri, dahi bhalle and bhel puri.

2. Jeera (Cumin powder)

Cumin seeds, when toasted and floor, infuse chaat masala with its heat and earthy aroma. It is barely bitter in style and provides depth and complexity to dishes.

3. Dhaniya (Coriander powder)

Ground and toasted coriander seeds add a recent, citrusy style to chaat masala. It balances out the tanginess of amchur and enhances its total profile.

4. Kala Namak (Black Salt)

This pungent salt lends a novel umami flavour to chaat masala and enhances its savoury notes. Kala namak additionally provides a novel depth of style to the chaat masala.

5. Kali Mirch (Black Pepper)

Ground black pepper provides a delicate kick of warmth to chaat masala. It balances out the sweetness of different spices and provides a layer of heat to the chaat masala mix.

Ginger powder enhances the style of the chaat masala.
Photo Credit: iStock

Taste Enhancers

In addition to the above-mentioned masalas, different taste-enhancing masalas go into making chaat masala.

1. Sonth (Ginger powder)

The ginger powder provides a splash of heat and spiciness to chaat masala. This enhances the opposite spices and provides its personal zing to the chaat masala mix.

2. Hing (Asafoetida)

A pinch of hing provides its pungent, savoury flavour to chaat masala, and enhances the general profile of the spice mix.

3. Laal Mirch (Red chilli powder)

Some chaat masalas have crimson chilli powder in them to extend their spiciness degree. You can add some floor crimson chilis too so as to add a fiery kick to chaat dishes.

Also Read: Out Of Chaat Masala? Try These 5 Awesome Alternatives Instead!

Do you want chaat masala? If sure, then attempt making it at dwelling with this straightforward recipe!