chaat masala

[smita kaul]

I'd really appreciate it if someone had a ready answer.

[carswell]

A tangy spice mix commonly used to season snacks, including sliced fruits. Can be purchased ready made. Ingredients vary but — to judge by recipes I've seen and the ingredient lists on chaat masala packages — almost always include mango powder, asafoetida, chile powder, black salt and, often, ground cumin and pulverized dried mint. Am certain one of the forum's experts will be along later to provide a more authoritative answer.

[Episure]

A tangy spice mix commonly used to season snacks, including sliced fruits. Can be purchased ready made. Ingredients vary but — to judge by recipes I've seen and the ingredient lists on chaat masala packages — almost always include mango powder, asafoetida, chile powder, black salt and, often, ground cumin and pulverized dried mint. Am certain one of the forum's experts will be along later to provide a more authoritative answer.

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Hi Smita,

Carswell has listed all the ingredients and some brands may also contain dried pomegranate powder. Black salt with it's sulphurous notes is the major contributor to the uniqueness of Chaat Masala.

Edited February 7, 2005 by Episure (log)

[BBhasin]

Carswell and Episure covered it well.

Instead of making their own, most people tend to get a commercial mix. There are numerous brands in the market, I prefer the 'MDH Chunky Chat Masalla', good consistant product. Though I have been intriguied by the word ' Chunky '.

Does any one know what it refers to as the chat masalla in packet is a smooth powder.

[deliad]

Carswell and Episure covered it well.

Instead of making their own, most people tend to get a commercial mix. There are numerous brands in the market, I prefer the 'MDH Chunky Chat Masalla', good consistant product. Though I have been intriguied by the word ' Chunky '.

Does any one know what it refers to as the chat masalla in packet is a smooth powder.

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Knowing that the Mahashian family (MDH owners) belongs to the western Punjab (now in Pak) area, and in some punjabi dialects "Chunky" is a word sometimes used to describe "something with a kick" similar to "Karara".

My guess is that Chunky refers to that. You are right though about its quality. Consistent and much better as compared to other brands. They could improve their packing though.

[smita kaul]

thank you for such detailed replies.