5 from 1 vote

Embark on a culinary journey with my homemade tandoori masala powder recipe, a delightful blend of spices that captures the essence of authentic Indian flavors.

Elevate your dishes with this carefully crafted medley, which promises to be a kitchen essential.

Join me in mastering the art of tandoori masala powder, unlocking a world of vibrant and aromatic possibilities.

Table of Contents

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Explore authentic Indian flavors with this homemade tandoori masala powder, crafted to perfection for a delightful culinary journey.
Elevate your dishes by making this carefully blended medley, which promises to become essential in your kitchen.

Master the art of tandoori masala powder and unlock a world of vibrant and aromatic possibilities for your cooking, whether it is meat or vegetables.
Experience a robust and smoky undertone in your dishes from the blend of black cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.
Preserve the freshness by storing the masala powder in a cool, dark place in airtight containers, avoiding refrigeration and direct sunlight.

How to Make Tandoori 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 or induction cooktop.

Step 2: When the frying pan is hot enough, add 2 tbsp of coriander seeds, 1.5 tbsp of black pepper, 2 pieces of black cardamom, 1 piece mace, 1 medium piece of star anise, ½ piece of nutmeg, 1 tbsp of cumin seeds, 2 tbsp of caraway seeds (shahi jeera), 2 tbsp of mustard seeds, 2 tbsp of split pigeon pea (arhar dal), 8 pieces of garlic without skin, 2 pieces of medium-sized bay leaves, 12 pieces of dry red chilies, 1 large cinnamon stick (broken into small pieces), 15 pieces of cloves, and 1 piece of dry ginger or about 1.5-inch size into the pan.

Step 3: Turn the flame of your gas stove to medium and then stir the ingredients continuously for about 3 to 4 minutes to dry roast them evenly and prevent the spices from getting burnt in the process.

Step 4: Turn the flame off when the dry red chilies and garlic are sufficiently dry and the spices have changed their color slightly.

Step 5: Transfer the ingredients onto a plate. Let it sit for some time so that the spices cool off completely.

Step 6: Take a grinder.

Step 7: Transfer the ingredients into the grinder when the ingredients are cool enough.

Step 8: Now, directly in the grinder add ½ tbsp of turmeric powder to the ingredients.

Step 9: Then add 3 tbsp of Kashmiri red chili powder to it.

Step 10: Now, add 1 tbsp of table salt.

Step 11: Add ½ tbsp of black salt as well.

Step 12: Finally, add 1 tbsp of asafetida to the ingredients.

Step 13: Now grind the ingredients into a fine powder. Grind it a couple of times in short intervals to retain the flavor yet get a smooth powder.

Step 14: Additionally, if you want even a finer powder, take a strainer and place it over a bowl.

Step 15: Transfer the ground spices into the strainer. Use a spoon to strain the mixture. Put the coarser granules into the grinder again and grind them to get a finer and smoother powder.

Step 16: Transfer the content into the bowl and your tandoori masala powder is ready to use in a variety of dishes of your choice.

Pro Tips for Making Tandoori Masala Powder

Fresh is Best: Use whole spices for optimal flavor. Grind them just before preparing to retain the aromatic essence.

Control the Heat: Adjust the quantity of dry red chilies based on your spice preference. Increase or decrease for a milder or spicier blend.

Precision in Roasting: Be vigilant while dry roasting; a gentle, even roast enhances flavors. Avoid over-roasting to prevent bitterness.

Cool Before Grinding: Ensure spices are completely cooled before grinding. Warm ingredients can affect the texture and flavor of the powder.

Layering for Flavor: Add turmeric, red chili powder, salts, and asafetida directly to the grinder. This helps in the even distribution of flavors throughout the powder.

Grind Gradually: Pulse the grinder in short intervals to maintain the spice’s freshness. A few breaks in between ensure a finer and smoother powder.

Fine-Tune Texture: For an even finer powder, strain the mixture through a sieve. This step ensures a velvety consistency for your tandoori masala powder.

Tandoori Masala Powder Storing Tips

Airtight Containers: Preserve the freshness of your tandoori masala powder by storing it in airtight containers to prevent moisture and maintain its aromatic potency.

Cool, Dark Place: Choose a cool, dark cupboard away from direct sunlight or heat sources for optimal storage conditions.

Avoid Refrigeration: Keep your masala powder at room temperature. Refrigeration may introduce moisture and compromise the texture and flavor.

Use Dry Spoons: When scooping out masala powder when you need it, always use dry spoons to prevent introducing moisture into the container.

Avoid Direct Sunlight: Protect the quality of your spice blend by keeping it away from direct sunlight, which can cause flavors to deteriorate over time.

How Does Tandoori Masala Powder Taste?

Bold and Smoky: The blend of black cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves imparts a robust and smoky undertone, providing a distinctive flavor profile to your dishes.

Earthy and Spicy: The combination of coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and black pepper adds an earthy base with a subtle kick, creating a well-balanced and spicy note.

Warm and Aromatic: The inclusion of nutmeg, mace, and star anise brings a warm and aromatic quality, enhancing the overall sensory experience of your culinary creations.

Rich and Fragrant: The amalgamation of mustard seeds, garlic, and dry ginger contributes to the richness and fragrance, elevating the complexity of the flavor profile.

Vibrant and Colorful: The infusion of Kashmiri red chili powder and turmeric powder not only imparts a vibrant hue but also adds a depth of flavor, creating a visually appealing and tasteful outcome.

Tandoori Masala Powder Alternatives

Ideally, there are no real alternatives to the tandoori masala powder. However, if you run short of it, you can experiment with these alternatives to add a twist to the taste and create a fusion of flavors in your dishes!

Garam Masala Powder: The unique flavor profile of this rich and warming masala powder with a blend of cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves is ideal for any meat dish.

What Dishes Can Tandoori Masala Powder Be Used in?

Tandoori Chicken: Marinate chicken with yogurt and tandoori masala for a flavorful and grilled delight.

Tandoori Lamb Chops: Marinate lamb chops with the masala, then grill or bake for a succulent main course.

Tandoori Fish: Marinate fish fillets with the masala and grill for a seafood sensation.

Paneer Tikka: Coat paneer cubes with the masala, grill, and serve with mint chutney for a vegetarian treat.

Tandoori Vegetables: Coat mixed vegetables in the masala, skewer, and grill for a vibrant side dish.

Tandoori Roti: Sprinkle the masala on rolled-out rotis before grilling for a spiced-up flatbread.

Tandoori Naan: Add the masala to the naan dough before baking for a spiced twist to this classic bread.

Tandoori Aloo (Potatoes): Coat boiled potatoes in the masala and roast them for a flavorful potato dish.

Tandoori Mushrooms: Toss mushrooms in the masala and grill for a flavorful and hearty appetizer.

Tandoori Bhindi (Okra): Coat okra in the masala, roast, or grill for a unique and spiced okra dish.

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Conclusion

Unleash a world of authentic Indian flavors with this meticulously crafted homemade tandoori masala powder.

Elevate your culinary creations, savoring the rich and smoky undertones, and store your spice blend wisely for a lasting, aromatic impact on your dishes.