Citrus Free Chaat Masala
That bright, tangy punch you get from a great chaat masala doesn't have to come from citrus — and this homemade blend proves it beautifully. The secret weapon here is amchur, a dried mango powder that delivers serious tartness and depth without a drop of lemon or lime anywhere in sight. Toasting the cumin and coriander seeds in a dry skillet first is a small step that makes a huge difference, coaxing out a warm, smoky complexity that store-bought blends rarely achieve. Kala namak brings its signature sulfurous, almost eggy savoriness, while cayenne, ginger, and black pepper layer in just the right amount of heat. A whisper of cinnamon and cloves rounds everything out so the blend feels complete rather than one-dimensional. Once it's mixed and sealed in a jar, you've got a versatile spice blend ready to shake over roasted chickpeas, sliced fruit, or street-style snacks for up to three months. Making it yourself also means you know exactly what's in it — no mystery citric acid hiding in a commercial blend.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
12 servings
- 2 tbsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- 2 tbsp amchur (dried mango powder)
- 1 tsp kala namak (black salt)
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp asafoetida (hing)
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp dried mint (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and coriander seeds and toast, stirring constantly, until the cumin is a shade darker and the spices smell fragrant, about 2 minutes. Watch closely, as they can scorch quickly.
- 2
Transfer the toasted seeds to a plate and let them cool for 5 minutes, until no longer steaming.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!