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Often there are times when you run out of certain ingredients in the kitchen pantry. It could be sugar, salt, or the use of certain spices or any other that plays a vital role in making the dish. Instead of panicking as to how to prepare the dish without that particular ingredient, try searching for alternatives.
One popular ingredient that you can often run out of is chaat masala. This spice is extensively used in Indian cooking and adds a kick of tanginess to the dishes. This versatile seasoning contains a combination of amchur powder, cumin, coriander, black salt, dried ginger, asafoetida, and chilli powder among other spices. It is a popular ingredient in foods like chaat, fruit salads, and savoury snacks. Chaat masala is also used in marinades, chutneys, and yoghurt-based dressing. If you suddenly realise that you have run out of chaat masala, you no need to worry. You can grab a list of ingredients from your kitchen that are readily available. Here are some of them:
- Amchur Powder
Also known as dry mango powder, amchur powder works as a great alternative to chaat masala. This masala is made from dried ripe mangoes, and offers a tangy and sour flavour to the dishes. It mirrors the tangy effect of the chaat masala when added to a various number of dishes. Just like chaat masala, amchur powder adds a refreshing zing to salads.
- Black Salt
Kala Namak or black salt is extensively used in Indian cooking. It is an excellent replacement for chaat masala. Black salt offers a distinct savoury and tangy taste to the dishes. Its sulfurous aroma and earthy undertones add depth to various culinary creations. It works well when added to raitas, salads, and snacks like bhelpuri, etc. Remember, not to add too much, or else the dish will become salty.
- Curry Powder
Another wonderful substitute for chaat masala. Although not identical, curry masala offers a blend of spices that offers depth and aroma to the dishes similar to chaat masala. Curry masala is composed of ingredients namely turmeric, cumin, coriander, fenugreek, and chilli powder, curry powder, which are more or less similar to the ingredients of chaat masala. Curry masala adds warmth, earthiness, and a hint of heat to the dishes. Follow the ratio of 1:1 while following the substitute.
- Tamarind Chutney
This chutney works wonders as a substitute for chaat masala. The chutney offers a unique and complementary flavour to enhance the quality of the dishes. Made from tamarind pulp, sugar, and spices like cumin, ginger, and chilli powder, this tangy and sweet chutney adds depth and complexity to dishes similar to chaat masala. Its rich and slightly sour taste provides a delightful contrast to savoury and spices flavours, making it a versatile condiment in Indian cuisine. This chutney is commonly used in chaats, samosas, pakoras, and other street food snacks.
- Tandoori Masala
Although traditionally used for marinating meat cooked in a tandoor oven, tandoori masala is made with a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic, ginger, and fenugreek, bringing depth and complexity to the dishes. The combination of flavours offers a robust profile having a balance of warmth, earthiness, and subtle heat. It makes a great substitute for chaat masala.
- Garam Masala
You can find this masala easily in your kitchen. Garam masala turns out to be a saviour of your kitchen when you run out of chaat masala. Garam masala contains certain ingredients like cumin, and coriander which are also present in chaat masala. However, garam masala is slightly spicy in flavour, and using too much needs to be avoided. Adding a pinch of garam masala works fine for any dish.
