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Creating a homemade chicken or mutton masala mix powder is a great way to enhance the flavors of your dishes while controlling the ingredients and avoiding additives often found in store-bought blends. Below is a recipe for a versatile masala mix powder that you can use for both chicken and mutton dishes. Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste.

Ingredients: For the Masala Mix:

10-12 dried red chilies (adjust to your preferred spice level)

2 tablespoons coriander seeds

1 tablespoon cumin seeds

1 tablespoon black peppercorns

1 tablespoon fennel seeds

1 cinnamon stick (about 2 inches)

5-6 green cardamom pods

5-6 cloves

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder (for color)

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground mace (optional)

1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds (optional)

1/2 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)

1-2 bay leaves

For the Roasting and Grinding:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions:

Dry Roasting Spices:

Heat a pan or skillet over low heat and add all the whole spices: dried red chilies, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, fennel seeds, cinnamon stick, green cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaves.

Dry roast them gently for about 3-4 minutes until they become fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and allow them to cool.

Grinding the Spices:

Once the roasted spices are cool, transfer them to a spice grinder or a blender.

Add the turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, ground nutmeg, ground mace (if using), fenugreek seeds (if using), and asafoetida (hing) to the grinder as well.

Grind the mixture into a fine powder. You may need to pulse it a few times to achieve the right consistency.

Be cautious when opening the grinder as the spices can release a strong aroma. Allow the powder to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.

Storing the Masala Mix:

Store the homemade masala mix powder in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. It should stay fresh for several months.

Using the Masala Mix:

This masala mix can be used in a variety of chicken and mutton dishes. To use, simply sprinkle the desired amount into your curry or marinade, adjusting to your preferred level of spiciness.

Remember that homemade spice blends are highly customizable. You can adjust the spice level by varying the number of dried red chilies or adding more of your favorite spices. Additionally, if you prefer a smokier flavor, you can dry roast the spices for a longer time, but be careful not to burn them.

Creating your own masala mix gives you the flexibility to experiment with flavors and make your dishes uniquely delicious. Enjoy cooking with your homemade Chicken and Mutton Masala Mix Powder!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients (सामग्री):

 1 cup coriander seeds (1 कप धनिया दाल)

1/2 cup cumin seeds (1/2 कप जीरा)

1/4 cup fennel seeds (1/4 कप सौंफ)

1/4 cup black peppercorns (1/4 कप काली मिर्च)

10-12 dried red chilies (adjust to your spice preference) (10-12 सूखी लाल मिर्चें - अपने मसाले के स्वाद के हिसाब से इस्तेमाल करें)

2 tablespoons fenugreek seeds (2 बड़े चम्मच में मेंथी के बीज)

1 tablespoon mustard seeds (1 चम्मच सरसों के बीज)

10-12 cloves (10-12 लौंग)

5-6 green cardamom pods (5-6 हरी इलायची के दाने)

2-3 cinnamon sticks (2-inch pieces) (2-3 दालचीनी के टुकड़े - 2 इंच के)

1 nutmeg (grated) (1 जायफल - कद्दूकस किया हुआ)

2 bay leaves (2 तेज पत्ते)

1/4 cup dried curry leaves (1/4 कप सूखे कढ़ी पत्ते)

1/4 cup dried ginger (or 2 tablespoons ground ginger) (1/4 कप सूखी अदरक - या 2 बड़े चम्मच पाउडर अदरक)

1/4 cup dried garlic (or 2 tablespoons garlic powder) (1/4 कप सूखा लहसुन - या 2 बड़े चम्मच लहसुन पाउडर)

1/4 cup dried onion flakes (or 2 tablespoons onion powder) (1/4 कप सूखे प्याज के फ्लेक्स - या 2 बड़े चम्मच प्याज पाउडर)

Salt to taste (नमक स्वाद के हिसाब से)

Instructions:

Roasting the Whole Spices:

In a heavy-bottomed pan, dry roast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, dried red chilies, fenugreek seeds, mustard seeds, cloves, green cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, and bay leaves over medium-low heat. Roast until they become aromatic and slightly change color. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Roasting the Curry Leaves:

 In the same pan, add dried curry leaves and roast them until they become crisp. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Roasting the Ginger, Garlic, and Onion:

 In the same pan, add dried ginger, dried garlic, and dried onion flakes. Roast them for another 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant.

Cooling:

 Remove all the roasted ingredients from the pan and let them cool completely.

Grinding:

 Once the roasted ingredients are cooled, transfer them to a grinder or blender. Add salt to taste. Grind everything to a fine powder. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your grinder.

Storing:

 Store the Veg Masala Mix Powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It will remain fresh for several months.

 Tips:

 Adjust the quantity of dried red chilies according to your preferred level of spiciness.

You can customize the blend by adding or omitting spices based on your taste preferences.

For a longer shelf life, keep the powder away from moisture and sunlight.

Usage:

Use this homemade Veg Masala Mix Powder to enhance the flavor of various Indian vegetarian dishes such as curries, Sabzis (vegetable dishes), dals (lentil dishes), rice preparations, and more. Add it during the cooking process according to your taste preference.

Enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors of your homemade Veg Masala Mix Powder in your favorite dishes!

 FAWRI Masala: FAWRI Masala is a North Indian brand that specializes in spice blends. Their Veg Masala Powder is favored for its North Indian flavors.

 Homemade: Many people prefer to make their own Veg Masala Powder at home to ensure the freshest and most customized flavor.

 When choosing a brand, consider your personal taste preferences, the regional cuisine you prefer, and any specific dietary requirements. Also, read product labels to check for additives or preservatives if you prefer a more natural spice blend. It's a good idea to ask for recommendations from friends or family members who use Veg Masala Powder regularly to get insights into the flavors and brands they prefer.