Kada Masala Powder
Kada Masala Powder is an extremely flavorful spice mix powder used to make many North Indian vegetable gravies. It comes in handy when you want to make some flavorful rice dish in a jiffy for your lunch box or when you have unexpected guests and you want to impress them with some authentic North Indian dishes. Extremely easy to make and can be stored for up to 6 to 8 months when refrigerated in an airtight container.
There are different brands and different combinations available readymade in supermarkets, but nothing beats the homemade kada masala powder. Try this recipe once and you will never go back to the store bought masala powder.
Ingredients
Coriander seeds – 2tbsp
Cumin seeds – 1tbsp
Fennel seeds – 1tsp
Black pepper – 1tbsp
Whole green cardamom – 4
Cloves – 4
Cinnamon stick – 2 inch piece
Star anise – 2
Kapok buds – 2 (optional)
Kashmiri dry red chillies – 4
Mace – 1 small piece
Turmeric powder – 1 tsp
Red chilly powder – 2 tbsp
Dry fenugreek leaves (Kasoori methi) – 1 tbsp
Yield
~6-7 tbsp
Prep time
8 mins to dry roast the whole spices
15 mins to cool the roasted ingredients
Cook time
5 mins to grind
Method
1) In a heavy bottomed pan take all the ingredients from the above list, excepting turmeric powder, red chilly powder and dry fenugreek leaves.
2) Dry roast all these in very low heat for nearly 7 to 8 mins.
3) After roasting, the spices turn very aromatic. Keep the heat to a minimum throughout.
4) Transfer the roasted whole spices to a flat plate and let it cool completely. Once cooled add the turmeric powder, red chilly powder and dry fenugreek leaves to this. Grind everything to a fine powder.
5) Store in airtight container and refrigerate.
Notes
- Quantity of chilly powder and dry red chillies can be adjusted to suit your preference.
- Keeping the heat at the lowest is very important while roasting. This will ensure even roasting of the spices without charring.
- This kada masala powder can be used to make a variety things like onion rice, mix vegetable gravy, any instant pulao variety, or even to use in kati/frankie rolls. Use your imagination to create more mouthwatering dishes with this spice mix.
- Refrigeration in an airtight container will increase the shelf life of this masala powder and also help retain its aroma for a long time.
