Tandoori Masala is a mixture of lively spices commonly found in Indian cooking. Use it to marinate chicken or in a luxurious Butter Chicken Sauce. A quick dry roast and spices come alive.
Creating your own spice mixes, such as Tandoori Masala and Homemade Taco Seasoning instead of relying on store bought varieties gives you full control of flavour and maximizes freshness. Use this Tandoori mixture in a quick Kabocha Squash Dal.
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What is Tandoori Masala?
Tandoori Masala is a spice blend used to marinate foods that will be cooked in a Tandoor or clay oven. It is one of many masalas used frequently in Indian cooking.
The Wonderful World of Masalas
Masala, meaning mix (no need to repeat yourself by saying ‘Masala Mix’), is a combination of spices and herbs that adds wonderful layers of flavour to Indian dishes.
During the cooking process, they can be used on their own or in combination with other masalas.
Masalas can be dry like this Tandoori Masala or a paste like Vindaloo Marsala (made of ginger, garlic, chilis, onions, and tomato paste).
What is Tandoori Masala Made Of?
This particular blend of spices consists of a base of spices referred to as a Garam Masala:
- black pepper
- cloves
- cardamom (green and black)
- cinnamon (sometimes nutmeg)
- cumin
- coriander
Other spices may include bay leaves, fenugreek, and mace. There are a multitude of combinations both regionally and according to personal taste.
Most blends also include ginger and garlic, though these are best when you add them freshly minced. The bright yellow-red hues and spicy heat of tandoor cooked foods reflect the further addition of turmeric and chili or cayenne.
The heat level is entirely customize-able, so add as much or as little as you like.
The Complexities of Curry Begin With Masala
Have you ever enjoyed an amazing curry and marveled at the flavourful heat? There is not one single note of intense spice, but levels of heat and flavour that are so complex, your tongue is dancing for joy.
That complexity is a result of flavour additions during many stages of the cooking process. At the beginning, there’s dry roasting of whole spices, grinding, then heating them in ghee with garlic and ginger.
Next comes a hit of acid from the tin of tomatoes and finally, the final rounding of flavour with just a bit of Garam Masala.
How to Toast and Grind Spices for Tandoori Masala
There are two ways to toast whole spices: in the oven or on the stove top. For smaller batches, stove top toasting is the easiest and allows you to pay closer attention because if the spices burn they are useless.
Add fresh spices to a dry pan and toast over low-medium heat, shaking the pan to heat the spices evenly. Soon the natural oils in the spices to be activated, let your nose be your guide.
As soon as you smell their fragrances…remove the pan from heat and move the spices to a spice grinder or mortar.
Yes, You Can Make Masala Using Pre-Ground Spices
Let’s be honest, not everyone has whole spices in their cupboard. There’s nothing wrong with ground spices, though they will lose their potency quicker than their whole counterparts.
To use ground spices in a masala, toast them in a heavy pan to reactivate their flavours. Be sure to stir them constantly because they tend to burn easier than whole spices.
Aromatic Tandoori Masala
Tandoori Masala is a mixture of lively spices commonly found in Indian cooking. Use it to marinate chicken or in a luxurious Butter Chicken Sauce. A quick dry roast and spices come alive.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp coriander seed
- 2 tbsp cumin seed
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- 4 whole green cardamom pods
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp kashmiri chili powder or ancho chili powder
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
- chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Add whole seeds plus the cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods to a frying pan and dry roast them until the become fragrant. They burn quite easily, so keep a close watch.
- Let cool, then break up cinnamon stick into smaller pieces. Add roasted spices to a spice mill or mortar and process until the desired texture is reached.
- Transfer to a small bowl and add the turmeric, chili powder, and pepper.
- If using, add desired amount of chili flakes according to preferred heat level.
- Use immediately or store in an air tight container for a month.
Notes
*In a rush? Just mix the spices together using pre-ground spices. Substitute 1 tbsp coriander and 1 tbsp cumin, 1/4 tsp cloves, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon for their whole seed counterparts.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 29Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 46mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 2gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g
Nutritional calculation was provided by Nutritionix and is an estimation only. For special diets or medical issues please use your preferred calculator.
