Dabeli Masala

Dabeli Masala is an essential component of making Katchi Dabeli and the homemade version of this spice mix tastes delicious. Made using basic ingredients, this masala mix takes the Dabeli to the next level. Here is how to make it at home.

Want to try some more homemade Masala recipe, then give these a try – Chaat Masala, Sambar Powder, Kerala Garam Masala Powder, Thandai Masala Powder, Bisi Bele Bath Powder and Dry Mint Powder.

About This Recipe

Dabeli Masala also known as Kutchi Masala is a special blend of aromatic spices that adds a balanced flavor to the Dabeli. This Gujarati sweet and spicy masala is the most important ingredient of the Dabeli, which is a popular street food originated in Gujarat, but also famous in Mumbai.

To make this Dabeli Masala, all the spices you need will be easily available in your kitchen. Grated coconut is a must ingredient to get that grainy coarse texture.

Dabeli is a pav (bun) stuffed with tangy, spicy potato mix topped with this super delicious masala, pomegranate arils, sev, and spicy and sweet chutneys.

It is a super easy evening snack that you can make in a jiffy if your Dabeli Masala is readily available.

Although you can buy this masala in stores these days, making it at home elevated the taste of the Dabeli a lot and you can be sure of the ingredients going into making it.

Plus, making Dabeli Masala at home is much economical then buying a store bought one and you can make a big batch and refrigerate for later use.

You can use it in many other recipes such as pulao, chat, mix vegetable, stir-fries and more. So next time you are planning to make this Gujarati snack, make this Dabeli Masala and store in the fridge.

This Dabeli Masala is,

• Fresh
• Free of preservatives
• Spicy & Sweet
• Economical
• Better than the store bought one

Ingredients

Whole Spices – To make this Dabeli Masala at home, you will need an array of spices that are roasted until aromatic and then ground to make a powder.

These spices include coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, cloves, peppercorns, cinnamon, star anise, black cardamom and bay leaf.

You will also need white sesame seeds, that will add to its nutty taste.

Dry Red Chillies – These are also roasted lightly, which makes the masala more aromatic. Along with adding some spiciness to the masala, it also adds a beautiful red colour to it.

Coconut – This is a must ingredient, which adds a coarse texture along with a coconuty taste.

Spices – Now once we roast the above ingredients, it is mixed with some basic spice powders such as black salt, dry mango powder, dry ginger powder and Kashmiri red chilli powder before grinding.

Dry Ginger Powder adds heat, Dry Mango Powder adds tanginess and Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder adds nice bright colour without making it too spicy.

Sugar – Powdered Sugar is mixed in the ground mixture, to add that much needed sweetness that will balance out the tangy spicy taste of the masala.

Oil – To give it a slight smooth texture, we will add in some vegetable oil too.

Step By Step Recipe

Dry roast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds and sesame seeds, cloves, peppercorns, cinnamon, star anise, black cardamom and bay leaf until slightly browned.

Add dry red chillies and coconut in the pan and roast for another minute.

Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool down. Transfer the mixture in a blender along with black salt, dry mango powder, dry ginger powder, and Kashmiri red chilli powder.

Blend to make a coarse powder.

Transfer the powder in a bowl. 

Add powdered sugar and oil and mix well.

Store this masala in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to a month.

Store Bought V/S Homemade

I always prefer to make Dabeli Masala at home, as I like the taste of homemade version better. Also when you make it at home it is fresh and made with high quality ingredients.

Also we know exactly what ingredients are going in to make this Homemade Dabeli Masala, unlike the Store Bought one.

The homemade version is also free of preservatives and artificial colours, unlike the store bought one. Well, at the end anything that is homemade is always better, right?

Process

Heat a pan and add coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and sesame seeds, cloves, peppercorns, cinnamon, star anise, black cardamom, and bay leaf.

Dry roast the spices until slightly brown.

Make sure to roast the spices on low to medium heat so that all their flavors are released and they do not get burned.

Now add dry red chillies and grated coconut in the pan and roast for another minute. 

Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture rest for some time. Let it cool down. 

Once cooled down, transfer the mixture in a grinder along with black salt, dry mango powder, dry ginger powder, and Kashmiri red chilli powder. 

You can increase or decrease the amount of dry mango powder, red chilli powder etc according to your taste preference.

Now grind the ingredients to make a coarse powder.

Transfer the powder in a bowl and add powdered sugar and oil and mix well using your fingers. 

Storage Suggestions

Store this spicy, tangy and sweet Dabeli Masala in an airtight container and use it as and when required. Refrigerate for up to a month.

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Achari Masala

Sandwich Masala

Chaat Masala