How to Prepare Chana Masala Powder: A Spicy and Flavorful Indian Spice Mix
Chana masala powder is a staple in Indian cuisine, particularly in dishes like chana masala, a flavorful and aromatic chickpea curry. This spice mix is a blend of various spices that bring out the rich flavors of the chickpeas. Preparing your own chana masala powder is not only satisfying but also allows you to customize the spice levels to your taste. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to prepare chana masala powder at home.
Ingredients Needed
Before you start, gather the following ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon coriander powder
– 1 tablespoon cumin powder
– 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
– 1 tablespoon red chili powder
– 1 tablespoon garam masala
– 1 teaspoon amchur powder (dried mango powder)
– 1 teaspoon fenugreek powder
– 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
– 1/2 teaspoon black salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper powder
– 1/4 teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds)
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
– 1/4 teaspoon methi (fenugreek) leaves powder
– 1/4 teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds) powder
– 1/4 teaspoon nigella seeds (kalonji)
– 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds (saunf)
– 1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds (rai)
– 1/4 teaspoon fenugreek seeds (methi)
– 1/4 teaspoon fenugreek leaves (methi)
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon onion
– 1/4 teaspoon ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon methi (fenugreek) leaves
– 1/4 teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds)
– 1/4 teaspoon nigella seeds (kalonji)
– 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds (saunf)
– 1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds (rai)
– 1/4 teaspoon fenugreek seeds (methi)
– 1/4 teaspoon fenugreek leaves (methi)
Instructions
1. In a dry, heavy-bottomed pan, dry roast the following spices until they release their aroma: coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds, mustard seeds, nigella seeds, and ajwain seeds. Roast them on low heat for about 3-4 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
2. Once the spices are roasted, remove them from the heat and grind them to a fine powder using a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle.
3. In the same pan, add the following spices and roast them for another 2-3 minutes: turmeric powder, red chili powder, amchur powder, black salt, black pepper powder, garlic powder, onion powder, ginger powder, methi powder, ajwain powder, and fenugreek leaves powder. Again, stir continuously to prevent burning.
4. Once the spices are roasted, remove them from the heat and add them to the ground spices from step 2. Mix well.
5. In a separate pan, heat a small amount of oil and add the following ingredients: garlic cloves, onion, ginger, and methi leaves. Sauté them until the onion turns translucent.
6. Add the sautéed ingredients to the spice mixture from step 4. Mix well.
7. Finally, add the following ingredients to the spice mixture: black salt, black pepper powder, and ajwain powder. Mix well.
8. Your homemade chana masala powder is now ready. Store it in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dry place.
Conclusion
Preparing your own chana masala powder is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy the authentic flavors of Indian cuisine. By following this simple recipe, you can create a versatile spice mix that can be used in various dishes, adding a burst of flavor to your meals. Enjoy experimenting with this homemade spice blend and elevate your culinary skills!
