5 from 1 vote

Introducing homemade shikanji masala powder – a blend of aromatic spices designed to elevate your summer sips.

This zesty mix transforms ordinary lemonade into a tantalizing treat.

With carefully chosen ingredients and my simple guide, you’ll craft this versatile masala powder in no time, adding a burst of refreshing flavors to every sip.

Let’s dive into the art of making shikanji masala powder and zest up your beverage game.

Table of Contents

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Shikanji masala powder is a versatile spice blend, perfect for enhancing not just lemonades but a variety of dishes and beverages.

Achieve a harmonious balance of zesty, citrusy, and herbal flavors with the careful combination of cumin, fennel, black pepper, and other spices.
Elevate your summer refreshments with this homemade spice mix, turning ordinary drinks into delightful, flavor-packed sips.
Preserve the freshness by storing your shikanji masala powder in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Experiment with alternative spice blends like chatpata chaat masala or jaljeera powder for unique twists in your culinary creations.

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

Step 1: Take a frying pan and heat it on a low flame on your gas stove.

Step 2: When the pan is sufficiently hot, put 3 tbsp cumin seeds, 2 tbsp fennel seeds, 1 tsp black pepper, about 20 pieces of fresh curry leaves, and 1 cinnamon stick about 1 inch in size.

Step 3: Stir the spices continuously on a low flame for about 3 to 4 minutes to dry roast them.

(Expert tip: Make sure that there is no moisture left in the spices. If it remains, the masala powder will lose its flavor and taste in a quick time).

Step 4: When the spices change their color to light brown and the fresh curry leaves are dry and smaller in size, turn the flame of your gas stove off. Let the frying pan sit for a while so that the spices cool off completely.

Step 5: Now take a clean and dry grinder.

Step 6: When the spices are cool enough, transfer them from the frying pan to the grinder.

Step 7: Now add 1 tsp of black salt to the content in the grinder.

Step 8: Then, add ½ tsp of table salt to the grinder.

Step 9: Follow it with 4 pieces of green cardamom.

Step 10: Then add 1 tsp of dry mint (pudina) leaves powder to the content.

Step 11: Finally, add 1 tbsp of sugar to the grinder.

Step 12: Now, grind them all into a fine powder.

(Expert tip: You may strain the coarser grains to make them even finer. However, there is no harm in having a coarse powder. It will not harm).

Step 13: Now, transfer the powder into a bowl and your shikanji masala powder is ready to use.

Pro Tips for Making Shikanji Masala Powder

Mindful Roasting: Dry roast spices on a low flame for 3-4 minutes. Ensure no moisture remains; it impacts flavor and longevity.

Cooling Calmly: Let roasted spices cool completely before grinding. Patience preserves aromatic essence.

Grinding Perfection: Use a clean, dry grinder for a fine powder. Optionally, grind or strain for a smoother texture.

Balancing Act: Measure black salt, table salt, green cardamom, dry mint leaves powder, and sugar precisely for a balanced flavor profile.

Freshness First: Opt for whole spices for a fresher flavor. Grind them just before making the powder for an aromatic blend.

Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the quantity of black pepper and green cardamom to suit your spice preferences. Personalizing the spice mix ensures it aligns with your taste.

Quality Matters: Use high-quality spices for an authentic and rich flavor. Fresh and good-quality ingredients elevate the overall taste of the masala powder.

Experiment with Ratios: Feel free to experiment with ingredient ratios based on your taste preferences. You might discover your perfect blend by adjusting the quantities slightly.

Add Citrus Zest: Enhance the citrusy notes by adding a pinch of lemon zest to the masala powder. This small addition can intensify the overall refreshing quality.

Shikanji Masala Powder Storing Tips

Airtight Seal: Always store your homemade shikanji masala powder in an airtight container. This prevents moisture from sneaking in and ensures the spices retain their vibrant flavors.

Cool and Dark: Choose a storage spot that is cool and away from direct sunlight. A pantry or cupboard is ideal for maintaining the freshness and potency of your masala powder.

Dry Spoon Rule: When scooping out the masala powder, use a dry spoon every time. This simple practice helps prevent any accidental introduction of moisture, keeping the powder in optimal condition.

How Does Shikanji Masala Powder Taste?

Zesty Fusion: The blend of cumin, fennel, black pepper, and spices creates a zesty burst, awakening your taste buds with a lively and invigorating flavor.

Citrusy Delight: A hint of lemony freshness enhances the overall taste, providing a delightful citrusy note that perfectly complements the spice mix.

Balanced Harmony: The meticulous combination of black salt, table salt, green cardamom, and sugar achieves a harmonious balance, ensuring a well-rounded and satisfying flavor profile.

Spice Symphony: The amalgamation of cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and black pepper orchestrates a spice symphony, delivering a nuanced and warming sensation to your palate.

Herbal Elegance: Fresh curry leaves and dry mint leaf powder contribute to an herbal elegance, imparting a cool and soothing undertone to the overall taste.

Sweet Harmony: The addition of sugar brings a touch of sweetness that harmonizes with the spices, creating a well-balanced and subtly sweet undertone to the masala powder.

Minty Freshness: The presence of mint leaves powder adds a refreshing minty twist, providing a burst of cool freshness that lingers pleasantly after each sip.

Shikanji Masala Powder Alternatives

Chatpata Chaat Masala Powder: For a tangy and savory twist, consider using chatpata chaat masala as an alternative. Its blend of dried mango powder, cumin, and black salt offers a different yet equally flavorful dimension to your beverages.

Jaljeera Powder: Infuse a cooling sensation into your drinks with jaljeera powder. This blend of cumin, mint, and black salt brings a unique combination of spiciness and freshness, enhancing your summer sips.

Amchur Powder (Dried Mango Powder): If you’re looking for a hint of fruity tartness, amchur powder can be a delightful alternative. Its sourness adds a distinct flavor profile, creating a refreshing and citrusy undertone.

What Dishes Can Shikanji Masala Powder be Used in?

Shikanji (Lemonade): The classic application! Elevate your regular lemonade to a whole new level by adding a teaspoon or two of shikanji masala powder for a burst of vibrant flavors.

Mocktails: Infuse a twist of zest into your favorite mocktails. Whether it’s a virgin mojito or a fruity cooler, the masala powder can add a unique and refreshing kick.

Cocktails: Surprise your guests with a creative touch in cocktails. A pinch of shikanji masala powder can complement the flavors in drinks like margaritas or even a spiced-up gin and tonic.

Fruit Salads: Sprinkle a bit of shikanji masala powder over your fruit salads for an unexpected but delightful seasoning. It adds a savory and spicy element that enhances the overall taste.

Roasted Nuts: Transform your plain roasted nuts into a flavorful snack. Toss them with a dusting of shikanji masala powder for an intriguing blend of spices.

Sprouts and Chaats: Give a savory kick to sprouts or chaats by incorporating shikanji masala powder. Its unique mix of spices can enhance the taste of these popular Indian snacks.

Dahi Puri or Sev Puri: Elevate the street food experience at home by adding a sprinkle of shikanji masala powder to your dahi puri or sev puri. It introduces an extra layer of flavor.

Chilled Buttermilk (Chaas): Stir shikanji masala powder into chilled buttermilk for a refreshing and spiced-up version of this traditional Indian summer drink.