Chaat Masala

Chaat Masala is a spice blend that is commonly used in Indian cuisine, particularly in street food and snacks. The word "chaat" refers to a type of savory snack or street food that is popular in India, and "masala" means a blend of spices. So, Chaat Masala is a spice mix that is used to flavor chaat and other savory snacks.

The recipe for Chaat Masala can vary depending on the region and personal preferences. However, some common ingredients include:

Cumin seeds
Coriander seeds
Dry mango powder (amchur)
Black salt (kala namak)
Red chili powder
Ajwain (carom seeds)
Asafetida (hing)
Fennel seeds
To make Chaat Masala, the spices are dry roasted until fragrant and then ground into a fine powder. This spice mix is then used to sprinkle over various snacks like fruits, vegetables, fried snacks, or chaat dishes like bhel puri, papdi chaat, and aloo tikki.

The Chaat Masala adds a tangy, spicy, and slightly sour flavor to the dish, with a mix of warm, earthy, and slightly sweet notes. It gives the dish its distinctive taste and aroma, making it a favorite among lovers of Indian street food. Chaat Masala can also be used to flavor other snacks, salads, or even fruit salads.