Chaat Masala Recipe - Pakistani (Quick & Easy!) (2024)

by Sarah Mir

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Chaat Masala is an integral Pakistani spice mix and this homemade version of a Pakistani Chaat Masala Recipe has that iconic chatpata flavour, takes minutes to put together and is preservative free!

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What is Chaat Masala

The word chat-pata - spicy, salty, smoky and a little sweet - is one of the iconic tastes of Pakistani cooking. As a friend wisely put it, it's our umami.

A Chaat Masala is a chatpata spice mix consisting of a variety of ingredients that combine to create that flavor profile. In general the category of ingredients are

  • salty - table salt, kala namak (black salt, which is actually pink)
  • spicy - chilli powder and/or flakes
  • smoky - coriander powder, cumin seeds
  • tangy - amchur powder, carom seeds
  • sweet - sugar

The ubiquitous spice mix sold in stores has NINETEEN ingredients, two of which are preservatives.

Table of Contents

  • What is Chaat Masala
  • A Little Chaat Masala Backstory
  • Reasons for Making Your Own Chaat Masala
  • What do you use Chaat Masala in?
  • Why Call it a Pakistani Chaat Masala Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • How to make Chaat Masala
  • Chaat Masala vs Garam Masala

A Little Chaat Masala Backstory

I will freely admit that making Chaat Masala isn't something that was high on my radar until last year when someone messaged me and asked if I had a recipe since the store bought one no longer tasted the same. I was still working through my old box, but the moment I got a new one I realized she was absolutely right.

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The current versions sold in stores remind me of a medicine we used to eat in Pakistan when our tummies were upset. True story.

The other thing I learnt from this was that I clearly wasn't going through a spice box within six months or even a year, spices do have a shelf life. I checked the box and it turns out it was way expired.

Reasons for Making Your Own Chaat Masala

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So here are my top 4 reasons for making your own Chaat Masala

1.) It tastes better

2.) It has no weird chemicals in it

3.) It takes 5 minutes to make

4.) You can make a smaller quantity - no more expired masala!

What do you use Chaat Masala in?

I use it here in my Mixed Plate Chaat, Chana Chaat, and scattered over Dahi Baray. It is in heavy rotation around here especially during the month of Ramadan and part of my Ramadan Prep.

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People often use it on their Murgh Cholay as well. It's also so yummy over pomegranate seeds (weird, but true).

Why Call it a Pakistani Chaat Masala Recipe

Now I say I am making a Pakistani Chaat Masala Recipe, because my Indian friends tell me that our Chaat Masala has a different flavor profile than theirs. By no means am I suggesting Chaat Masala is only a Pakistani thing.

Ingredients

Guys this one was a doozy to engineer. I wanted to keep the integral components of the masala intact, but keep the recipe manageable. Here is what I settled on

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  • Red Chilli Powder and Black Pepper - for spice
  • Salt, Black Salt - for the right mix of savory
  • Coriander Seeds and Cumin Seeds - roasted and ground for optimal smoky flavour
  • Amchur (dried mango) powder for that tangy taste
  • Carom Seeds for their distinctive flavour and aroma
  • Sugar for balance

If I took any of these out I found myself really missing them.

How to make Chaat Masala

Easily. First we roast our cumin and coriander seeds over medium high heat to really bring out their flavour.

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Then you combine all the ingredients in a mini food processor / spice grinder. Add your seeds last so they have time to cool and blitz away. Grind it as fine or as coarse as you like and that's it!

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Chaat Masala vs Garam Masala

What's the difference you wonder?

Garam Masala is a smoky spice blend, with strong flavours and a mellow but insistent heat. Chaat Masala is a tangy mix with a spice and savoury quality that is undeniably assertive.

They are both must have spice mixes and fortunately also easy to make!

Made this recipe? Rate it below by clicking the number of stars and leave a comment!

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4.50 from 8 votes

Chaat Masala Recipe - Pakistani (Quick & Easy!)

Chaat Masala is an integral Pakistani spice mix and this homemade version has this iconic chatpata flavour, takes minutes to put together and is preservative free!

Prep Time8 minutes mins

Course: spice mix

Cuisine: pakistani, indian

Diet: Halal, Hindu, Vegetarian

Keyword: chaat masala

Author: Sarah Mir

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp Coriander Seeds
  • 3 tsp Cumin Seeds
  • ½ tsp Salt
  • ¾ tsp Kala Namak (Black Salt)
  • 3 tsp Amchur Powder
  • 1 ½ tsp Chilli Powder
  • ½ tsp Pepper
  • ¾ tsp Carom Seeds (Ajwain)
  • ½ tsp Sugar

Instructions

  • Place a clean skillet on medium high heat, as soon as it's hot add the coriander and cumin seeds, moving them around frequently until they smell fragrant. Set aside to cool.

  • While the seeds are cooling mix the remaining ingredients in a spice grinder or mini blender and then add the seeds.

  • Grind to desired consistency. Store in an air tight container in a dark place (inside a cabinet)

Notes

This recipes makes about ¼ cup of chaat masala. I have kept the base quantity small so you can scale it according to your needs. If you are a chaat loving family and Ramzan is coming I'd double up!

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Chaat Masala Recipe - Pakistani (Quick & Easy!) (2024)

FAQs

What is chaat masala made of? ›

Chaat masala, also spelled chat masala, is a powdered spice mix, or masala, originating from the Indian subcontinent, typically used to add flavor to chaat. It typically consists of amchoor (dried mango powder), cumin, coriander, dried ginger, salt (often black salt), black pepper, asafoetida, and chili powder.

What is the best substitute for chaat masala? ›

Chaat Masala Substitute

If a recipe calls for chaat masala and you don't have any on hand, try adding dry mango powder, dried pomegranate powder, or black salt if you have them. Depending on the recipe, you can probably get away with using garam masala in place of it (Example: Aloo ki Tikki).

What are the ingredients in national chaat masala? ›

Ingredients. Salt● Red Chilli● Mango Powder● Cumin Seed● Long Pepper● Black Salt● Sugar● Ginger● Bay Leaf● Black Pepper● Cinnamon● Clove● Asafoetida● Amorphous Silicon Dioxide● Citric Acid.

What is the difference between garam masala and chaat masala? ›

Garam masala is used to enhance the aroma and flavour of the dish and is mainly added to curries, while chat masala is added to enhance the dish's flavour only and make them tangier. You can sprinkle on chaats like Bhel puri, masala puri and fruits.

What are the disadvantages of chaat masala? ›

Chaat masala

According to Dr Dhir, chaat masala and other such seasoning masalas often come with a high content of salt. The sodium in salt can impact the kidneys and lead to water retention in our bodies. This extra stored water raises BP and puts a strain on kidneys, arteries, heart, and brain.

What spices do Pakistanis use? ›

Herbs and Spices in Pakistani cooking
  • Spices : cumin, coriander, cardamom, turmeric, paprika.
  • Chilies : red chili, red chili flakes, fresh green chili.
  • Spice blends : curry powder, garam masala, chaat masala, black salt.
  • Whole seeds : cumin seeds, mustard seeds.
  • Fruits : anardana, amchur.
Jun 10, 2021

What is the English name of chaat? ›

Chaat, or chāt (IAST: cāṭ) ( lit. 'lick, tasting, delicacy') is a family of savoury snacks that originated in India, typically served as an hors d'oeuvre or at roadside tracks from stalls or food carts across South Asia in India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.

Can I use pani puri masala instead of chaat masala? ›

If you run out of chaat masala, here are some things you can substitute instead: Pani Puri Masala - Oftentimes this is very similar if not identical to chaat masala. Kala Namak - Black salt.

Why is chaat masala so good? ›

Amchur (dried green mango powder), salt and chilli powder give the blend its characteristic tangy, salty, spicy zing. Uses: Sprinkle over salads or chaat (fried snacks) or use in place of salt on your chips. Also delicious on fruit - try a pinch on mango or pineapple.

Why is it called chaat masala? ›

The word “chaat” means lick in Hindi and “masala” is the general term used for any spice blend. Chaat masala is a dry spice mix that is complex and transcendent to say the least.

What is the flavor of the chaat? ›

While the realm of chaat may be vast, chaat masala is the common denominator that unites. This essential blend of Indian spices is made primarily of kala namak, also known as Himalayan black salt. The pungent spice adds a strong umami flavor and egg-like aroma to the dish.

Is masala chaat healthy? ›

Health benefits of chaat masala:

First off, the ingredients cumin, asafoetida, and mango powder make chaat masala a rich source of minerals including iron and calcium. Building red blood cells and strong bones, respectively, require both iron and calcium. On the other hand, cumin itself has magnesium in it.

What can I use instead of chaat masala? ›

If you don't have chaat masala, you can create a substitute by combining equal parts of cumin powder, coriander powder, and amchur (dried mango powder). Optionally, you can also add a pinch of black salt for a similar tangy flavor.

Can I use sumac instead of chaat masala? ›

In this recipe, I have substituted the chaat masala with sumac powder and I can say that I am not going back. This was a good call. Sumac is a popular spice used in Middle Eastern cooking.

Is amchur powder and chaat masala the same? ›

Chaat Masala is a primary ingredient of street food and boasts a blend of predominantly sour spices like Amchoor powder (Dry mango powder) and black salt. Complemented by cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and chilli powder, the mix can include 8 to 12 diverse spices based on the recipe.

Is chaat healthy or unhealthy? ›

Chaat, a popular Indian street food, offers several health benefits when prepared with nutritious ingredients. Many chaat recipes incorporate elements like chickpeas, sprouts, yogurt, and various spices, providing a mix of essential nutrients.

What is the other name for chaat masala? ›

Different Names of Chaat Masala

In English, it's simply known as Chaat Masala or Chat Masala. In Hindi, it retains the name "Chaat Masala." However, when we cross linguistic borders, we find it referred to as "Indien Chaat Masala" in German and "Indio Chaat Masala" in Spanish.

What does chaat taste like? ›

Chaat is an umbrella term for a wide range of roadside foods that usually feature some kind of fried dough with various ingredients that typically create a spicy, tangy, or salty flavour, though some chaat are sweet.

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