Tikka Masala Blend

Name: Tikka Masala Blend
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 to 6
Cuisine: Pakistani
Ingredients: 2 tbsp kashmiri chili; 1 tbsp cumin; 1 tbsp coriander; 1 tsp amchur; 1 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp fine sea salt

25 minutes prep 45 minutes cook Serves 4 to 6 vegan

Tikka Masala Blend captures the essence of Pakistan’s bustling barbecue stalls, where the air is thick with the aroma of sizzling meats and hearty laughter. This home version brings that vibrant energy to your kitchen, allowing you to recreate a beloved family tradition. The blend is crafted with a careful hand, combining salt, fat, and warming spices, ensuring each bite is as memorable as the last.

The flavor is a robust combination of kashmiri chili's gentle heat, the earthiness of cumin and coriander, and a hint of tang from amchur. Garam masala adds a warm complexity, while fine sea salt ties it all together. This blend is meant to be shared, evoking the communal spirit of a Pakistani meal, where the table is always set for more.

Ingredients

2 tbspkashmiri chili
1 tbspcumin
1 tbspcoriander
1 tspamchur
1 tspgaram masala
1 tspfine sea salt

Method

Place a dry skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of kashmiri chili, 1 tablespoon of cumin, and 1 tablespoon of coriander to the skillet. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon to ensure even toasting. You'll know they're ready when the spices release a rich, warm aroma and the cumin seeds start to darken slightly.
Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the toasted spices to a plate to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial to prevent the spices from releasing moisture when ground, which can lead to clumping.
Once the spices are completely cool, transfer them to a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Grind them until you achieve a fine, uniform powder. The texture should be smooth, without any coarse bits remaining.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground spice blend with 1 teaspoon of amchur, 1 teaspoon of garam masala, and 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Stir thoroughly with a spoon to ensure all the spices and salt are evenly distributed.
Transfer the Tikka Masala Blend to an airtight container. Store it in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or cupboard, to preserve its flavor and potency. Use this blend generously in your dishes, as is traditional in Pakistani home cooking.