Chaat Masala Spice Blend. The Blend That Makes EVERYTHING Taste Better (2024)

FAQs

Why is chaat masala so good? ›

How chaat masala is used in snacks varies from recipe to recipe, but one thing remains for sure - it adds tanginess, slight heat, sweetness and a depth of flavour that transforms these dishes from ordinary to extraordinary. Chaat masala truly shines when it's used to season and sprinkle over these savoury dishes.

Chaat masala is an Indian-inspired spice blend that adds fruity tang and heat to the savoury and sweet. Sprinkle over Bombay potatoes at the end of cooking, or mix with lemon juice for fruit dishes and vegetable salads.

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.

and what does it taste like? Chaat Masala has a very distinct and easily recognizable taste. I'd describe it as a complex blend of tart, spicy, salty, tangy, and sour with a hint of sweetness.

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.

By incorporating wholesome ingredients and mindful preparation, chaat can be a flavourful and healthful addition to a balanced diet, offering a satisfying and nutritious culinary experience.

Chaat masala's funky smell is due to a combo of kala namak (black salt) and hing (asafetida) in the seasoning. Kala namak is a pinkish sulfuric salt that smells kind of like rotten eggs if you smell it on its own. In addition, the spice blend has hing which has its own funky pungent smell that it also contributes.

Translated literally to "snack spice," this powdered mixture is used traditionally in Indian cuisine; sprinkled on street food, mixed into drinks, and added to curries.

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.

According to doctors, chat masala often prepared with a high content of salt. Hence, the sodium in salt can have impact on the kidneys and could lead to water retention in human body. This extra stored water raises blood pressure nd puts a strain on kidneys, arteries, heart, and brain if used regularly.

Should chaat masala be kept in fridge? ›

Chaat masala should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from moisture and sunlight. It does not need to be refrigerated but should be kept in an airtight container to preserve its freshness. Is chat masala keto-friendly?

Beyond its culinary role, Chaat Masala is also known for its Ayurvedic properties, aiding in digestion, and promoting' overall well-being.

It works great in traditional chaat recipes, such as papri chaat and pani puri, but can also simply be sprinkled over fruit or vegetables or used as a spice for snack foods, like Chex mix.

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.

Adding dairy can help reduce the amount of spice in food and also provide a cooling effect. You should add milk, curd or even cream to the dish to adjust the spice levels. Apart from adding in the dish, you should drink milk rather than water to reduce the effect of hot spicy food.

Chaat masala has a variety of health benefits as it contains various digestive and anti-inflammatory spices. Yes, it is safe to eat chaat masala during pregnancy, but it should be consumed in moderation as the high salt content may lead to fluid retention.

Nutritionist Bhuvan Rastogi said that you don't need to cut down on eating chaats as "any food you have from outside will usually be high in calories from the higher amount of oil used. Even a naan with any gravy will be laden with oil, cream, or cashew paste to make it creamy"