Chettinad Masala (Homemade Curry Powder Recipe) - Flavours Treat (2024)

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Chettinad Masala - an essential spice blend ofChettinadcuisine, renowned for its intense flavour and aroma. Homemade curry powder made by roasting and grinding various aromatic spices.

Chettinad Masala (Homemade Curry Powder Recipe) - Flavours Treat (1)
Jump to:
  • 2 MOST ESSENTIAL SPICES USED TO ELEVATE THE FLAVOUR
  • NECESSITY TO DRY ROAST SPICES
  • How to storeChettinadmasala?
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Notes
  • More Homemade Spice Powder recipes to try
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • Related Recipes

DelectableChettinadcuisine from southern state Tamil Nadu is considered as one of the spicier and aromatic cuisines in India. One of the most defining aspects of this cuisine is the way spices are used in the food.

Though the spices used in different dishes are all same, the aroma, flavour and the taste they provide to dish is extremely different.

2 MOST ESSENTIAL SPICES USED TO ELEVATE THE FLAVOUR

Kalpasi/black stone flower/dagad phoolandMarati moggu/kapok budsare two important and unusual spices used in the Chettinad masala recipe that adds magic to the dish prepared from this spice blend and lifts the flavours from ordinary to extraordinary. These two are underrated spices that most of them tend to ignore to use in homemade spice powder. I would suggest not to skip or substitute these spices in this spicy curry powder recipe.

Check out the delicious Vegetable Chettinad recipe made using this Chettinad masala.

NECESSITY TO DRY ROAST SPICES

All the spices are dry roasted on medium-low flame until fragrant and ground to a powder. Dry roasting spices help to remove moisture and release the volatile oil that provides intense flavour to the dish. Poppy seeds help to thicken curry sauce.A perfect blend of freshly ground spice brings out the well-balanced flavours and elements of the dish to tantalise individual's taste buds.

How to storeChettinadmasala?

This spicy curry powder stays good for up to 3 - 4 months in fridge. Later it loses its aroma gradually. For longer shelf-life consider storing it in freezer.

Store this homemade spicy curry powder in a clean and dry air tight container, preferably glass container.

Ingredients

Dry Red Chillies: 5

Marathi Moggu/Kapok Buds: 2

Star Anise: 1

Black Peppercorn: 1 tbsp

Poppy seeds (optional): 2 tbsp

Coriander seeds: 1 tbsp

Fennel seeds: 1 tsp

Mace/Javithri: 1

Green Cardamom: 3

Cassia bark / Dalchini: 2 inches

Cloves: 4

Kalpasi/Black stone flower: 1 tsp/around 1 gm.

Desiccated Coconut:1 tbsp

Instructions

To begin with heat shallow frying pan on medium low heat, dry roast peppercorns, red chillies, cloves, cardamom, cassia/dalchini, star anise, marathi moggu, mace for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant.

Now add coriander seeds, poppy seeds, fennel seeds and roast for further 4-5 minutes, stirring regularly.

Finally add desiccated coconut and roast for a minute and turn off the heat.

Chettinad Masala (Homemade Curry Powder Recipe) - Flavours Treat (2)

Allow the spices to cool down to room temperature and grind them to a powder.

Chettinad Masala (Homemade Curry Powder Recipe) - Flavours Treat (3)

Store this homemade curry powder in a clean and dry air tight container, preferably glass container.

Chettinad Masala (Homemade Curry Powder Recipe) - Flavours Treat (4)

Notes

Poppy seeds contribute to the thickness of the sauce/gravy, you may skip it if it's not available or if you do not like them.

Kapok buds and black stone flower are most essential spices in this recipe, do not skip them.

I have used spicy variety red chillies, increase the quantity if you are using kashmiri chillies or any mild variety chillies.

Roast spices on medium low flame, keep stirring to avoid burning of spices.

This spicy curry powder may be stored upto 3-4 months.

You may substitute desiccated coconut with coconut powder or dry coconut flakes. Alternatively, you may skip desiccated coconut in this recipe, instead add coconut powder in the sauce/gravy while cooking.

More Homemade Spice Powder recipes to try

Bisi Bele Bath Powder

Biryani Masala Powder

Sambar Masala

Instant Sambar Premix

Rasam Powder

Instant Puliyogare Powder

📖 Recipe Card

Chettinad Masala | Spicy curry powder

Chettinad Masala is a spice blend made by roasting and grinding various spices. Marvalous and delectable chettinad cuisine from southern state Tamil Nadu is popular worldwide.

5 from 11 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Spice Blends

Cuisine: Indian, South Indian

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 small jar

Calories: 205kcal

Author: Geetha

Ingredients

1 cup = 250ml ; 1 tablespoon = 15ml ; 1 teaspoon = 5ml

  • 5 Dry Red Chillies
  • 2 Marati Moggu / Kapok buds
  • 1 Star Anise
  • 1 tablespoon Black Peppercorn
  • 2 tablespoon Poppy seeds (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Coriander seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Fennel seeds
  • 1 Mace / Javithri
  • 3 Green Cardamom
  • 2 inch Cassia bark / Dalchini
  • 4 Cloves
  • 1 tsp (around 1 gm) Kalpasi / Black stone flower
  • 1 tablespoon Desiccated Coconut

Instructions

  • To begin with heat shallow frying pan on medium low heat, dry roast peppercorns, red chillies, cloves, cardamom, cassia/dalchini, star anise, marathi moggu, mace for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant.

  • Now add coriander seeds, poppy seeds, fennel seeds and roast for further 4-5 minutes, stirring regularly.

  • Finally add desiccated coconut and roast for a minute and turn off the heat.

  • Allow the spices to cool down to room temperature and grind them to a powder.

  • Store the chettinadu masala powder in a clean and dry air tight container, preferably glass container.

Notes

Poppy seeds contribute to the thickness of the sauce/gravy, you may skip it if it's not available or if you do not like them.

Kapok buds and black stone flower are the most essential spices in this recipe, try not to skip them.

I have used spicier red chillies, increase the quantity if you are using kashmiri chillies or any mild variety chillies.

Roast spices on medium-low flame, keep stirring to avoid burning of spices.

This spice curry powder can be stored for up to 3-4 months.

You may substitute desiccated coconut with coconut powder or dry coconut flakes. Alternatively, you may skip desiccated coconut in this recipe, instead add coconut powder in the sauce/gravy while cooking.

** Nutritional information provided here is estimated and for guidance only.Please refer myRecipe Disclaimerfor more details.

Nutrition

Calories: 205kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 24mg | Potassium: 495mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 216IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 420mg | Iron: 6mg

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Related Recipes

  • Rasam Powder Recipe
  • Instant Sambar Mix Recipe
  • Vangibath Masala Powder
  • Instant Puliyogare Powder Recipe
Chettinad Masala (Homemade Curry Powder Recipe) - Flavours Treat (10)

Welcome to Flavours Treat. I share vegetarian recipes made with wholesome, mostly fresh ingredients. Every recipe has easy-to-follow instructions withprocess shots(detailed step-wise pictures), a shortvideo and lots of tips to help your cooking journey.Read more

Chettinad Masala (Homemade Curry Powder Recipe) - Flavours Treat (2024)

FAQs

How many spices are in Chettinad? ›

In Chettinad food, major spices used include anasipoo (star aniseed), kalpasi (a lichen), puli (tamarind), milagai (chillies), sombu (fennel seed), pattai (cinnamon), lavangam (cloves), punnai ilai (bay leaf), karu milagu (peppercorn), jeeragam (cumin seeds), and venthayam (fenugreek).

What is the flavor of Chettinad? ›

At the heart of Chettinad cuisine lies its exquisite spice blends. It's famous for its masalas, which are made by grinding a mix of roasted spices such as coriander seeds, cumin, fennel seeds, black pepper, and cinnamon. The star spice of Chettinad cuisine is the fiery red chilli, which adds a bold kick to the dishes.

What is the difference between curry powder and madras curry powder? ›

Curry powder is a mixture of turmeric and other spices that can be blended in mild, medium or hot strengths. The main difference between these blends is that Madras Curry Powder is spicier in taste compared to standard Curry Powder. Both types of curry powder have many of the same ingredients.

What is the difference between curry powder and masala? ›

Ultimately both curry powder and masala are blended spice mixes that can be added to food to pack a spicy and aromatic kick. In the end, the difference boils down to the different mix of spices, masala being more of a warming aromatic blend and curry powder being more of an earthy blend.

Which is the king of all spices? ›

Black Pepper is considered the 'king of spices' and rightfully so. Unlike its perennial companion, salt, which is easily available in any nook and corner of the world, the black pepper owes its origins to Kerala – a state in South India.

What is the other name of Chettinad? ›

Chettinad (also known as Chettinadu) is a region located mainly in the Sivaganga district, which was historically ruled by the Ramnad kingdom of Pandya Nadu and has a small portion extending into the Pudukottai District in Tamil Nadu, India..

What is special in Chettinad? ›

What makes Chettinadu cuisine stand out is its ingenious use of freshly ground Chettinadu masala using various spices like fenugreek, star anise, fennel seeds, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaf, peppercorns, and cumin seeds.

What does Chettinad curry taste like? ›

Our Southern Chettinad Curry opens up a delicious portal into the magic of Chettinad cuisine and will take your taste buds on a journey across time and spice. The sauce is tomato-based with a touch of coconut and a little heat from black pepper, as well as the sweetness of star anise, cinnamon and fennel seeds.

What is Chettinad sauce made of? ›

What is chettinad sauce made of? chettinad cuisine has lots of spices like red chillies, kalpasi, coconut, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, black pepper, onions, ginger, garlic and gingelly oil.

Can I use garam masala in place of curry powder? ›

While curry powder's aromatic qualities are different from garam masala, the former offers a similar complexity of flavors and aromas. Curry powder works well with a wide range of dishes, and includes some of the key ingredients of garam masala. To replace garam masala with curry powder in your recipe, use a 1:1 ratio.

What is curry powder called in India? ›

The confusion may come from a popular Indian dish known as "curry," but that term refers not to the spice blend but to the dish itself, which is made up of a sauce or gravy along with meat and vegetables. The spice blend most often used in an Indian curry is garam masala.

What do you call masala in English? ›

In Indian cookery, masala is a mixture of spices ground into a paste. 2. spice variable noun. A spice is a part of a plant, or a powder made from that part, which you put in food to give it flavour. /masala, masAlA, masaalaa, masālā, msala, msAlA, msaalaa, msālā/

What ingredient makes curry hot? ›

What makes curry spicy? The main ingredient that takes the fieriness up a notch or two (or even a lot more!) is chilli. Whether fresh, powdered or flakes and regardless of the variety, all chillies contain a compound called capsaicin which causes the burning sensation we feel in our mouths when eating something spicy.

Can I use allspice instead of curry powder? ›

Turmeric, Cumin and Allspice

Use 1 teaspoon for every teaspoon of curry powder.

What are the 40 Indian spices? ›

The document discusses several common Indian spices, including red chili powder, turmeric, black pepper, cumin, fennel, cloves, bay leaves, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, garlic, saffron, star anise, cardamom, coriander, and curry leaves.

Which is the highest number of spices in the world? ›

India is the world's largest producer of spices. India is also the world's largest exporter of spices.

How many total spices are there? ›

There are roughly 40 different spice (and herb) plants of global importance, and many more with local relevance (2). Spices and herbs can be classified into various groups based on flavor (Table 1), the part of the plant where they came from (Table 2), or botanical classification (taxonomy) (3).

References

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