How To Make Dabeli Masala Powder At Home: Tips To Follow
Image Credit: Freepik

Gujarat, a state in western India, is the origin of the well-known street dish dabeli, which is renowned for its distinctive spice blend and deep flavours. Dabeli Masala, a sweet spice mix that lifts the food to a whole new high, is needed for this tasty snack. In addition to letting you adjust the amount of spice, making this masala at home guarantees freshness and enhances the flavours of the components. It's easy to make Dabeli Masala Powder using a few staple spices that you probably already have in your pantry. This versatile spice mix is perfect in every kitchen, as it may be added to a number of recipes. This recipe ensures the freshness and cleanliness of parts while helping you make a real batch of Dabeli mix that shows the tastes of the street.

Key Ingredients

  • ½ cup coriander seeds
  • 2-3 black cardamom pods
  • 1 medium cinnamon stick
  • 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
  • 1-2 bay leaves
  • 3-4 cloves
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 2-3 star anise
  • 2-3 whole mace

 Additional Ingredients

  • 2-3 dry Kashmiri red chillies
  • ¼ cup grated dry coconut
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 2-3 tablespoons Kashmiri red chilli powder
  • 1 teaspoon ginger powder
  • 1 teaspoon black salt
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons oil

Image Credit: Freepik

Preparation Process

  1. First, heat a pan on medium warmth, and add the cloves, black peppercorns, cinnamon bits, mace bay leaves, coriander seeds, cumin seed͏, fennel seed and mace. To keep the spices from burning, sauté them for approximately a minute while stirring constantly. As the spices toast, you should smell a rich aroma filling your kitchen. When finished, take the roasted spices to a plate to cool after taking the pan off of the hob. Make sure they are entirely cool to the touch after a few minutes of sitting.
  2. Reduce the heat and add the sesame seeds, dried red Kashmiri chillies, and grated dry coconut to the same pan. To keep these ingredients from burning, toast them for less than a minute while stirring constantly. The coconut and chillies should be lightly browned in order to give your Dabeli Masala more flavour depth. Remove from the heat and allow to cool on the platter with the roasted spices once they are fragrant and gently toasted. Once blended, the smell of the coconut and spices will enhance the overall scent of your Dabeli Masala Powder.
  3. Reduce the heat and add the sesame seeds, dried red Kashmiri chillies, and grated dry coconut to the same pan. To keep these ingredients from burning, toast them for less than a minute while stirring constantly. The coconut and chillies should be lightly browned in order to give your Dabeli Masala more flavour depth. Remove from the heat and allow to cool on the platter with the roasted spices once they are fragrant and gently toasted. Once blended, the smell of the coconut and spices will enhance the overall scent of your Dabeli Masala Powder.
  4. It's time to add the final touches now that you have your spices ground. Add the oil and ground spices to the mixing bowl. Mix the oil and spices with your fingertips until they are all well distributed. This makes the spices taste better, brings in wetness, and helps to stick the spices. When everything is well combined, your Dabeli Masala is ready! It should be kept in a sealed jar for it to remain as new. It will keep for a few weeks, and for the best shelf life, store it in the refrigerator.

Uses Of Dabeli Masala

  • Dabeli Masala is mostly used to make the well-known street dish dabeli.
  • For an added taste boost, sprinkle it over pakoras, samosas, or other appetisers.
  • To improve the flavour of your favourite stews and curries, add a teaspoon or two.
  • Before grilling or roasting, marinade meat or veggies with it.

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Useful Tips:

  • For the best flavour, use whole spices that are fresh and of excellent quality.
  • Spices should never be roasted without supervision.
  • It needs to be stored in the refrigerator and wrapped in an airtight container.
  • To remove the masala, use a dry spoon.
  • Periodically check for mould or dampness.
  • For best effects, use within 3–4 months.

Image Credit: Freepik

Adding a personal touch to your culinary collection, making Dabeli Masala Powder at home is a simple and satisfying process. You will always have a colourful and fragrant spice blend available if you follow the instructions, which include roasting, grinding, mixing, and storing. Savour the process and the delicious outcomes of your culinary attempts with Dabeli Masala!