Achar ka masala (Indian pickle spice blend)
This versatile seasoning makes throwing together Indian-style pickles together a breeze. It elevates even the simplest pickles with its earthy, tangy, mildly spicy, and pungent notes.
Servings: 8 (yield: 2 cups)
Calories: 49kcal
Cost: $2.50
Equipment
- Airtight jar for storage
Ingredients
- ¼ cup fennel seeds
- ¼ cup mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
- ⅓ cup cumin seeds
- 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
- 1 tablespoon kalonji seeds
- 1 ½ teaspoon ajwain seeds
- ⅔ cup Kashmiri red chili powder
- ¼ cup salt
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon asafetida
- 2 tablespoons amchur
Instructions
- Lightly toast the fennel, mustard, fenugreek, cumin, coriander, kalonji, and ajwain seeds in a dry skillet for 2-3 mins over medium heat until fragrant. Transfer to a plate, so that the spices stop cooking, and cool them completely to room temperature.
- Place cooled seeds in a high-speed blender, or a spice grinder. Add the remaining spices. Process to a fine powder. You may need to process them in a couple of batches depending on the size of your blender or spice grinder.
- After achieving the desired consistency, cool Achar ka Masala to room temperature, and store it in a labeled airtight jar.
Notes
Balancing Spices:
Creating the perfect blend is an art, and my recipe is a great starting point. However, everyone’s taste is unique, so don’t hesitate to play with spice quantities in your Achar ka Masala until it aligns with your personal flavor preferences. Start with minor adjustments and trust your palate.
Mastering Toasting:
Toasting the whole spices is a game-changer. Pay close attention to this step - it’s a big deal! You’re aiming for fragrant, not burnt. Keep an eye on them to preserve their delightful aroma. And remember, cool them completely before grinding.
Chill Before Storing:
Before stashing your Achar ka Masala in an airtight jar, make sure it’s entirely cool. This simple step ensures the spice blend stays fresh and maintains its vibrant flavor. Moisture won’t sneak in when you’ve got it right!
Nutrition
Calories: 49kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 3547mg | Potassium: 158mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 58IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 4mg