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Homemade masala blends worth making

By SpiceIndia editors · Updated · About SpiceIndia

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Sambar powder
Photo: Keerthinellikkalaya, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Shop-bought blends are convenient, but a fresh batch from whole spices smells completely different. Start with these. Every recipe can be scaled to any batch size.

The full list

For South Indian cooks

Sambar powder

South India

Roasted with lentils for body.

For tea lovers

Chai masala

All India

Makes every cup masala chai.

For snacks

Chaat masala

North India

Tangy, salty and addictive.

Easiest of all

Panch phoron

Bengal and Odisha

Five whole seeds, no grinding.

For Maharashtrian food

Goda masala

Maharashtra

Sweet, dark and nutty.

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