In this guide, you will learn about the magic of homemade sandwich masala powder, a versatile blend that can effortlessly elevate the taste of your sandwiches.
Get ready to make it yourself and discover simple tips, creative uses, and delightful alternatives that will add a delicious twist to your sandwich creations.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Sandwich masala powder adds a delightful Indian spice kick to your favorite sandwiches, transforming ordinary bites into flavorful experiences.
- Experiment with sandwich masala powder in a variety of sandwiches, from classic veggie to grilled chicken, to discover unique and delicious flavor fusions.
- Elevate your everyday plain sandwiches by incorporating sandwich masala powder into spreads or dressings for an easy and quick flavor boost.
- Channel the flavors of Indian street food by using sandwich masala powder in chaat-inspired sandwiches, creating a tasty and vibrant culinary journey.
- Mix sandwich masala powder into unexpected combos, like peanut butter and banana or avocado toast, to unlock new dimensions of taste in your sandwiches.
How to Make Sandwich Masala Powder? (Step by Step Guide with Images)
Step 1: Place a frying pan on your gas stove and heat it on a low flame. Then add 2 tbsp of cumin seeds, 1 tbsp of black pepper, 2 tsp of cloves, 2 tbsp of fennel seeds, 6 cinnamon sticks broken into small pieces, and 1 piece of star anise in it. Stir the spices continuously to dry roast them on a low flame
Step 2: After about 3 to 4 minutes of stirring, you will get the smell of the roasted spices. Make sure that the color of the spices does not change drastically. Turn the flame of your gas stove off.
Step 3: Then, transfer the roasted spices to a separate plate. Set it aside so that the hot spices cool off completely.
Step 4: Now, take a clean and dry grinder. Transfer the spices to it.
Step 5: Grind it to a fine powder.
Step 6: Now, add 1 tbsp of black salt to it.
Step 7: Then add 1 tbsp of dry mango powder (amchur) to it.
Step 8: Finally, add ½ tbsp of table salt to the ingredients in the grinder.
Step 9: Grind them once again so that you get a fine powder and your sandwich masala powder is ready.
Pro Tips for Making Sandwich Masala Powder
Fresh is Best: Use fresh whole spices for the best flavor. Check the expiration date of your spices to ensure they are not stale.
Low and Slow Roasting: When dry roasting the spices, keep the flame low to prevent burning. Stir continuously for even roasting, and be cautious not to rush this step.
Aroma Alert: Pay attention to the change in color and the aromatic fragrance of the spices. This signals that they are perfectly roasted and ready for the next step.
Cool Before Grinding: After roasting, allow the spices to cool completely before grinding. Grinding hot spices can lead to clumping and affect the texture of your masala powder.
Use a Dry Grinder: Ensure your grinder is clean and completely dry before grinding the roasted spices. Any moisture can affect the quality of the powder.
Layered Grinding: Add black salt, dry mango powder (amchur), and table salt after the initial grinding. This ensures even distribution of flavors in the final powder.
Fine Texture: Grind the spices until you achieve a fine powder. A smooth texture enhances the blending of flavors in your sandwich masala powder.
Customize to Taste: Feel free to adjust the quantity of black salt, dry mango powder, and table salt according to your taste preferences. Start with the recommended amounts and adjust as needed.
Sandwich Masala Powder Storing Tips
Airtight Container: Store your sandwich masala powder in an airtight container to preserve its freshness and flavor.
Cool, Dark Place: Keep the container in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. This helps maintain the potency of the spices.
Avoid Moisture: Moisture can lead to clumping and spoil the powder. Ensure the container and the spoon used are completely dry.
How Does Sandwich Masala Powder Taste?
Spicy Kick: Homemade sandwich masala powder brings a delightful spicy kick to your taste buds, thanks to the combination of black pepper, cloves, and star anise. It adds an exciting zest to your sandwiches, making each bite a flavorful adventure.
Warm Undertones: The inclusion of cinnamon in the masala imparts warm undertones to the blend. This subtle warmth provides a comforting and rich flavor profile to your sandwiches, creating a perfect balance with the spice.
Citrusy Tang: The presence of dry mango powder, or amchur, introduces a subtle citrusy tang to the masala. This tangy twist elevates the overall taste, offering a refreshing and bright element that complements various sandwich fillings.
Earthy Fusion: Fennel seeds contribute to an earthy fusion within the masala. This earthiness grounds the overall flavor, harmonizing the spices and creating a well-rounded taste experience in every bite.
Umami Depth: Black salt enhances the masala with an umami depth, adding a savory and slightly salty dimension. This umami quality intensifies the overall flavor profile, making your sandwiches more satisfying and flavorful.
Savory Harmony: The combination of these diverse flavors results in a savory harmony that transforms your sandwiches into a gastronomic delight. The masala powder brings together various taste elements, creating a symphony that enhances the overall enjoyment of your homemade sandwiches.
Sandwich Masala Powder Alternatives
Remember, the best substitute for sandwich masala powder depends on the specific flavor you are aiming for in your sandwiches.
It is always good to adjust quantities based on personal taste preferences. These are some close alternatives of sandwich masala powder that you can try:
Chat Masala Powder: Known for its tangy and spicy profile, chat masala contains ingredients like cumin, coriander, and amchur (dry mango powder), making it a flavorful substitute for sandwich masala powder.
Pav Bhaji Masala Powder: This spice blend, commonly used in a popular Indian street food dish, offers a rich and aromatic flavor with ingredients like coriander, cumin, and red chili powder, making it a suitable alternative.
Aamchur Powder (Dry Mango Powder): If you have this on hand, it can be used on its own to add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to your sandwiches, reminiscent of the amchur component in sandwich masala powder.
Garam Masala Powder: While garam masala is a bit different, its warm and aromatic spices, such as cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, can still contribute a unique and flavorful touch to your sandwiches.
Cumin-Coriander Powder Mix: A simple blend of ground cumin and coriander can provide a mild yet pleasant Indian flavor, though it won’t replicate the complexity of sandwich masala powder.
What Dishes Can Sandwich Masala Powder be Used in?
Everyday Plain Sandwich: Elevate the taste of your simple, everyday sandwich by incorporating sandwich masala powder into the spread or mayonnaise. It imparts a burst of Indian spices, transforming your plain sandwich into a flavorful and exciting bite.
Cheese and Tomato Sandwich: Sprinkle a pinch of sandwich masala powder on a classic cheese and tomato sandwich. The spices complement the mildness of cheese and add a delightful kick to the juicy tomatoes, enhancing the overall taste.
Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich: For a unique twist, mix a bit of sandwich masala powder into your peanut butter before spreading it on a banana sandwich. The combination of sweet, nutty, and spicy creates a harmonious blend of flavors.
Egg Salad Sandwich: Enhance the flavor of your egg salad by incorporating sandwich masala powder into the mayonnaise or yogurt dressing. The spices add depth to the egg filling, making your egg salad sandwich more savory and interesting.
Classic Veggie Sandwich: Sprinkle sandwich masala powder on layers of fresh veggies, cheese, and spreads in your classic veggie sandwich. It adds an authentic Indian twist, turning a simple sandwich into a flavor-packed delight.
Paneer Tikka Sandwich: Elevate the taste of your paneer tikka sandwich by incorporating sandwich masala powder into the marinade. This infuses the paneer with a rich blend of spices, creating a mouthwatering fusion of flavors.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich: Whether you’re using shredded or grilled chicken in your sandwich, a dash of sandwich masala powder adds a zesty kick. It enhances the savory notes, making your grilled chicken sandwich a true culinary experience.
Spicy Potato Sandwich: Upgrade your spiced potato filling by mixing in sandwich masala powder. The blend of spices amplifies the potato’s taste, creating a spicier and more aromatic version of the classic potato sandwich.
The versatility of the sandwich masala powder allows for using it in other dishes apart from sandwiches such as vegetable wraps, stuffed parathas, potato chaat, egg bhurji, sprout salad, dahi puri, and more.
Recipe Card
Sandwich Masala Powder
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Cumin seeds
- 1 tbsp Black pepper
- 2 tsp Cloves
- 6 pieces Cinnamon sticks
- 1 piece Star anise
- 2 tbsp Fennel seeds
- 1 tbsp Black salt
- 1 tbsp Dry mango powder (amchur)
- ½ tbsp Table salt
Instructions
- Roast the Spices: Put a pan on low heat and add 2 tbsp of cumin seeds, 1 tbsp of black pepper, 2 tsp of cloves, 2 tbsp of fennel seeds, 6 broken cinnamon sticks, and 1 piece of star anise. Stir them continuously until they're dry roasted (around 3-4 mins).
- Check the Roast: Once you smell the lovely roasted spice aroma, turn off the stove. Make sure the spices don’t change color too much.
- Cool the Spices: Put the roasted spices on a plate to cool down. Let them sit and cool completely.
- Grind the Spices: Use a clean, dry grinder to grind the cooled spices into a fine powder.
- Add Seasonings: To the powdered spices, add 1 tbsp of black salt, 1 tbsp of dry mango powder (amchur), and ½ tbsp of table salt.
- Blend Again: Grind all the ingredients together once more until they form a fine powder.
- Done! Your homemade Sandwich Masala Powder is now ready to add a burst of flavor to your sandwiches!
Notes
Nutrition Info (Estimation Only)
Conclusion
Incorporating sandwich masala powder into your sandwiches opens a world of vibrant flavors, turning simple bites into culinary delights.
Whether you’re spicing up classics or exploring inventive pairings, this versatile addition adds an exciting twist to your sandwich creations.