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What to put in a masala dabba

By SpiceIndia editors · Updated · About SpiceIndia

Black Peppercorns (4422070187)
Photo: Ryan Snyder, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A masala dabba is a round stainless-steel box with seven small bowls inside. Most Indian kitchens have one next to the stove.

A classic North Indian dabba

  1. Cumin seeds
  2. Mustard seeds
  3. Turmeric
  4. Red chilli powder
  5. Ground coriander
  6. Garam masala
  7. Asafoetida or fenugreek seeds

A South Indian dabba

Mustard seeds, urad dal, chana dal, cumin, turmeric, red chilli powder and asafoetida, with fresh curry leaves kept nearby.

A Bengali dabba

Panch phoron, turmeric, red chilli, cumin, nigella, mustard seeds and bay leaves.

Beyond the dabba

Keep larger whole spices (cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaves, black cardamom) and kasuri methi in jars. With those and the dabba, you can cook most everyday Indian dishes. Tick off what you have in What can I cook? to see how far you can go.

Frequently asked questions

What is a masala dabba?

A round steel spice box with seven small bowls, kept next to the stove for the spices used every day.

Which spices go in a masala dabba?

Typically cumin, mustard seeds, turmeric, red chilli powder, ground coriander, garam masala and asafoetida or fenugreek, though it varies by region.

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