5 from 1 vote

Discover the joy of homemade chana masala powder, bringing the magic of Indian flavors to your kitchen.

With simple ingredients like coriander, cumin, and spices, this easy recipe guides you through toasting, grinding, and creating a fragrant blend that adds a burst of deliciousness to your dishes.

Spice up your cooking adventure today!

Table of Contents

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Chana masala powder adds authentic Indian flair to a variety of dishes.
Elevate everyday recipes with a dash of chana masala powder.

Amp up grilled dishes with chana masala powder in tandoori marinades.
Spice up yogurt dips with a touch of chana masala powder.
Sprinkle chana masala powder on snacks for an irresistible twist.

How to Make Chana Masala Powder? (Step by Step Guide with Images)

Step 1: Heat a frying pan or wok on a medium flame and put 2 tablespoons coriander seeds, 2 tablespoons cumin seeds, ½ tablespoon carom seeds, 2 tablespoons dried pomegranate seeds, 2 tablespoons whole black pepper, 1 tablespoon cloves, 2 pods of green cardamom, 1 pod of black cardamom, 2 cinnamon sticks, 3 bay leaves, 10 medium-sized dried red chillies, 2 tablespoons dried fenugreek leaves or kasuri methi in it.

Step 2: Stir the mixture occasionally until you hear crackling sounds. Turn the flame off.

Step 3: Add turmeric powder.

Step 4: Add salt to taste.

Step 5: Mix them well and set it aside to cool.

Step 6: Put all the dry roasted ingredients in a grinder.

Step 7: Grind them nicely and your chana masala power is ready.

Pro Tips for Making Chana Masala Powder

Individual Roasting: For an extra depth of flavor, consider roasting each spice individually. This allows their unique aromas to shine, enhancing the overall complexity of your chana masala powder.

Mind the Crackling: Keep an ear out for the crackling sounds while toasting; it’s a signal that your spices are releasing their full potential. Once you hear it, you know it’s time to turn off the flame.

Cooling Counts: Patience is key! Let the toasted mix cool before grinding. This ensures a smoother texture and preserves the aromatic integrity of your spice blend.

Grinding Finesse: When grinding, aim for a fine powder to achieve the desired consistency. This step guarantees a well-balanced infusion of flavors in your dishes.

Chana Masala Powder Masala Powder Storing Tips

Airtight Containers: Store your freshly made chana masala powder in airtight containers or jars to maintain its aroma and flavor. Make sure the containers are dry and clean before storing the spice blend.

Cool and Dark Place: Keep the containers away from direct sunlight or heat. Store them in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or a cupboard, to preserve the quality of the spices.

Avoid Moisture: Moisture can ruin the texture and taste of the spice blend. Ensure the containers are tightly sealed to prevent moisture from getting in.

Labeling: Label the containers with the date of preparation to keep track of freshness. Use older batches first to ensure you’re always using the freshest chana masala powder.

Small Batches: Consider making smaller batches if you don’t use chana masala powder frequently. This helps in retaining its potency and flavor for a longer time.

How Does Chana Masala Powder Taste?

Rich Aromas: Toasted coriander, cumin, and carom seeds create a warm, earthy base.

Depth of Flavor: Dried pomegranate seeds add tanginess, while black pepper and cloves bring boldness.

Subtle Sweetness: Green and black cardamom pods, along with cinnamon, contribute a hint of sweetness.

Spicy Kick: Dried red chillies provide a kick of heat for added excitement.

Fragrant Touch: Dried fenugreek leaves and turmeric powder add a fragrant and aromatic dimension.

Versatile Harmony: Well-balanced and versatile, perfect for enhancing the taste of various recipes with authentic Indian flair.

Chana Masala Powder Alternatives

Coriander-Cumin Mix: Combine equal parts ground coriander and cumin for a simple substitute, maintaining a balanced and earthy flavor.

Garam Masala: The warmth of garam masala, with its blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, can be an excellent alternative for a nuanced taste.

Curry Powder: Opt for a store-bought curry powder, typically featuring coriander, cumin, turmeric, and other spices, to impart a flavorful twist.

Cumin, Coriander, and Turmeric Combo: Blend ground cumin, coriander, and turmeric in equal proportions for a quick and effective replacement.

Homemade Spice Mix: Create a personalized blend using available spices like cloves, green cardamom, black pepper, and dried red chillies, adjusting quantities to suit your taste.

Chaat Masala: Infuse a tangy element with chaat masala, incorporating dried mango powder, black salt, and various spices.

What Dishes Can Chana Masala Powder be Used in?

Chana Masala Curry: The classic chickpea curry is the star, where chana masala powder brings depth and authenticity to the rich tomato-based sauce.

Vegetable Biryani: Elevate the aromatic layers of vegetable biryani by incorporating chana masala powder, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Aloo Gobi Masala: Transform the humble potato and cauliflower dish into a flavorful delight by seasoning it with chana masala powder.

Masoor Dal: Infuse your lentil curry with a burst of spices by adding chana masala powder to masoor dal, creating a hearty and flavorful dish.

Stir-Fried Vegetables: Sprinkle chana masala powder over stir-fried vegetables for a quick and delicious Indian-inspired twist.

Tandoori Marinades: Include chana masala powder in tandoori marinades for meats or vegetables, adding a unique spice blend to grilled dishes.

Chaat Recipes: Sprinkle chana masala powder over various chaat recipes, such as samosas, bhel puri, or aloo tikki, for an authentic burst of flavors.

Spiced Yogurt Dips: Create flavorful yogurt-based dips by blending chana masala powder with yogurt, perfect for dipping or as a side.