Chaat Masala Spice Mix Recipes

Steps:

• Whisk chaat masala, cayenne, and sugar in a small bowl to blend. Combine cornflakes, almonds, cashews, and pecans in a medium bowl.
• Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium. Add cornflake mixture and toss to coat. Cook, tossing often, until fragrant and beginning to turn golden brown, about 5 minutes.
• Transfer cornflake mixture to a rimmed baking sheet and sprinkle half of chaat masala mixture over; toss to coat. Sprinkle remaining chaat masala mixture over and toss to coat again. Let cool, then transfer to a large bowl. Do ahead: Nut mix can be made 1 week ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.

Steps:

• Like all Indian/Pakistani spice mixes, dry roast the cumin and coriander seeds lightly in a frying pan. Cool for 10-15 mins before grinding.
• This recipe sees 2 inda chillies - Spicy red chilly powder and sweet paprika flakes. Paprika may be substitued with Kashmir chilli powder or coarsely ground deghi mirch (small round chillies) with seeds,
• Cream of tartar further heightens the tart note and is sold in a powder form.
• Ginger powder si also known as sonth. Whole sonth stores well but is tough to run in the dry grinder. Buy ground sonth when possible.
• Sal ammonia or Baker's ammonia further increases the tartness of the recipe. Known as Nohoder in Pakistan/India. Also known as Lime Salt. This is Ammonium Chloride or Mineral Salt.
• Watch the clove powder - it is stinging pungent - fdont get liberal with it.
• Hing = asafoetida. Contributes to the aroma (sour & sulphuric) and whets the appetite. This is a very bold spice mix, impertinent because of the foods it is going to enhance (bland yoghurt, boiled potatoes,etc). This strong flavors and aroma is its hallmark.