5 from 1 vote

Boost the flavors of your culinary creations with the aromatic essence of usal masala powder.

Crafted from a harmonious blend of vibrant spices, this homemade seasoning promises to elevate your dishes to new heights.

The artful combination of Kashmiri red chilies, cumin seeds, cloves, and more, results in a versatile spice mix that adds depth and richness to various recipes.

Join me on a flavorful journey as I guide you through the simple steps of creating this usal masala powder, unlocking a world of delectable possibilities in your kitchen.

Table of Contents

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Usal masala powder is a versatile spice blend that adds depth and richness to a variety of Indian dishes.

Crafting your usal masala powder at home allows you to customize the flavors and ensure the use of fresh, quality ingredients.
aromatic fusion: The blend of spices in usal masala powder creates a fragrant and aromatic fusion, elevating the overall dining experience.
Use this masala powder to enhance traditional Maharashtrian recipes like usal curry, misal pav, and more.

Preserve the freshness of your homemade usal masala powder by storing it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Regular checks ensure optimal flavor.

The Ingredients

Kashmiri red chilies – 8 to 10 pieces

Scrapped coconut – 1 tbsp
Cumin seeds – 1 tbsp
Black pepper – 4 to 6 pieces

Cloves – 8 pieces
Garlic – 6 cloves (deskinned)
Coriander seeds – 1 tbsp

Fennel seeds – 1 tbsp
White sesame seeds – 2 tbsp
Stone flower – 2 pieces (torn)

Cinnamon – 1 stick of about 1-inch size
Black cardamom – 2 pieces
Star anise – 2 pieces

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

Step 1: Take a wok and heat it on a low flame on your gas stove. When it is hot, put 8 to 10 pieces of Kashmiri red chilies in it.

Step 2: Stir them continuously to dry roast them for about a couple of minutes until the dry red chilies puff up.

Step 3: When it is done, add all the other ingredients into the wok such as 1 tbsp of scrapped coconut, 1 tbsp of cumin seeds, 4 to 6 pieces of black pepper, 8 pieces of cloves, 6 cloves of deskinned garlic, 1 tbsp of coriander seeds, 1 tbsp of fennel seeds, 2 tbsp of white sesame seeds, 2 pieces of stone flower after tearing them, 1 cinnamon stick of about 1-inch size, 2 pieces of black cardamom, and 2 pieces of star anise.

Step 4: Stir all the ingredients continually until they are roasted nicely and change their color slightly and you smell the fragrance of roasted spices.

(Expert tip: At this point, turn off your gas stove to prevent the spices from getting overcooked. Let the spices sit for a while so that they cool off completely).

Step 5: When the spices are cool enough, take a clean and dry grinder.

Step 6: Transfer all the ingredients to the grinder from the wok.

Step 7: Grind them into a powder. You may grind it a couple of times in short intervals if you want a finer and smoother texture of the powder. When you are satisfied, transfer the powder onto a plate and your usal masala powder is ready to be used.

Pro Tips for Making Usal Masala Powder

Roast with Precision: Take your time while dry roasting the spices. This enhances their flavors and ensures a fragrant blend.

Mindful Cooling: After roasting, let the spices cool off completely before grinding. This prevents overcooking and maintains the integrity of the flavors.

Grinding Finesse: For a smoother texture, grind the ingredients in short intervals. Don’t hesitate to grind multiple times until you achieve the desired consistency.

Experiment and Adjust: Feel free to tweak the quantities of individual spices to suit your taste preferences. Personalize your Usal Masala Powder to create a signature blend.

Usal Masala Powder Storing Tips

Airtight Seal: Transfer your freshly ground usal masala powder to an airtight container. This helps in preserving its aromatic goodness and prevents moisture from affecting the quality.

Cool and Dark Storage: Keep the container in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can diminish the potency of the spices, so a pantry or cupboard is an ideal spot.

Avoid Moisture: Moisture is the enemy when it comes to spice storage. Ensure that the container is dry before placing the masala powder inside, and use a dry spoon when scooping it out.

How Does Usal Masala Powder Taste?

Spicy and Vibrant: The blend of Kashmiri red chilies, black pepper, and cloves brings a spicy kick that tantalizes your taste buds, adding a bold and dynamic flavor to your dishes.

Warm and Earthy: With the infusion of cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and black cardamom, the masala powder offers a warm and earthy undertone, creating a comforting depth in your culinary creations.

Fragrant and Aromatic: The inclusion of garlic, cinnamon, and star anise contributes to the fragrant and aromatic profile of the spice mix, filling your kitchen with an enticing aroma that enhances the overall dining experience.

Balanced Complexity: Fennel seeds and stone flowers add a layer of balanced complexity, ensuring that no single flavor dominates. This balance allows the spice mix to complement a variety of dishes seamlessly.

Slight Nuttiness: White sesame seeds bring a slight nuttiness to the mix, providing a subtle yet distinctive note that adds depth to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian recipes.

Usal Masala Powder Alternatives

Usal masala powder has a specific combination of spices, and finding exact alternatives with the same flavor profile can be challenging since there are no direct substitutes for this masala powder.

If you are looking for a substitute that closely matches this masala powder, it is recommended to stick to the individual spices listed in the original recipe for the most authentic results.

Coriander Powder: If you’re looking for a milder option, coriander powder can offer a subtle earthiness and citrusy note. It won’t replicate the exact flavor, but it can complement your dishes well.

Red Chili Powder: For those who enjoy heat, red chili powder can be used to add spiciness to your recipes. Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference.

Cumin Powder: Cumin powder brings a distinctive nuttiness and earthy flavor. While not a complete alternative, it can contribute to the overall taste of your dishes.

Garam Masala Powder: While not a direct substitute, Garam Masala can add warmth and depth to your dishes. It typically includes cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and other spices, providing a rich flavor profile.

What Dishes Can Usal Masala Powder be Used in?

Usal Curry: Naturally, the star of the show is usal curry itself. The masala powder is a key ingredient in preparing this delectable Maharashtrian dish featuring sprouted lentils, spices, and a flavorful gravy.

Misal Pav: Elevate the iconic misal pav by incorporating usal masala powder. This popular street food gains an extra layer of spiciness and complexity, making it a favorite among spice enthusiasts.

Pav Bhaji: Transform your pav bhaji experience by adding usal masala powder to the bhaji mix. The blend of spices will infuse a unique twist to the classic Mumbai Street food.

Vegetable Curries: Use usal masala powder in various vegetable curries to impart a distinct Maharashtrian flavor. It blends seamlessly with mixed vegetables, enhancing the overall taste.

Dal Tadka: Enhance the flavor profile of your dal tadka by incorporating a pinch of usal masala powder. the spices complement the lentils, creating a delicious fusion of flavors.

Rice Preparations: Sprinkle a bit of usal masala powder on rice dishes like pulao or biryani to add a Maharashtrian touch. The aromatic spices will mingle with the rice, creating a delightful fusion.

Stir-Fried Vegetables: Use the masala powder in stir-fried vegetables to introduce a spicy and aromatic element. It works well with a variety of veggies, adding depth to the dish.