It is beginning of winter again. Late sunrises, nippy morning breeze, early sunsets are just some of the gestures through which nature foretells us of the impending winter.
I may have to make a sheepish admission of my fitness regime being the first casualty in this season. As the season progresses getting rid of quilt early in the morning becomes increasingly cumbersome and sometimes impossible. Who would prefer shedding warmth of quilt and trade that for early morning slog? Leaving the gradual disappearance of my morning runs aside, let me turn to the admirable part of the season, something that every foodie may look forward to- the food.
Winter means hot food. The breathless pace of everyday routine may not leave much room for daily fulfillment of your winter food cravings, but that’s what weekends are for. Come Thursday evening I dream of a weekend morning of hot Masala Chai laced with piping hot Lauki ka Katra or even Paneer Pakoda. An afternoon of some super quick but delicious Matar ka Nimona with steamed rice and nights would end with some buttery Pav Bhaji. I can’t state how difficult it is for me to pull myself back from my food reverie and stop myself from salivating.
The prospect of hot buttery Pav dipped in steaming mildly spicy Bhaji is too tempting to resist. In fact, to make my Pav Bhaji dinner all the more special I have begun making preparations a week in advance. Realizing how significant a difference a homemade Pav Bhaji Masala can make to your dining experience, I had given up quite early on the ready made Pav Bhaji Masalas. So as winter sets in, I was quick in making this flavorful blend of spices and am going to make a Pav Bhaji dinner for my family this weekend.
Before I put the recipe of Pav Bhaji, I think we must first get the pre-requisites out of the way and one of the most significant requirement is Pav Bhaji Masala. So this week, let’s delve in to the process of making Pav Bhaji Masala and I can assure that you would never go back to buying these ready made masala packets anytime again. If you like this magical spice blend, do let us know in the comment section below.
Also find some more magical Masala Blend
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
- 8 dried red chilies (medium spicy)
- 4 tbsp whole coriander seeds
- 2 tbsp dry mango powder (amchoor)
- 2 tbsp cumin seeds
- 1 tbsp fennel seeds
- 4 cloves
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 2 star anise
- 5 black cardamom
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 inch cinnamon stick
- We must dry roast all ingredients (except turmeric powder).
- Roast ingredients until it changes it color and emanates a pleasant aroma.
- Turn off the heat.Roast dry mango powder in the hot pan.Dry roast for 30 seconds.
- Allow all ingredients to cool down.Grind ingredients into fine powder.
- Store in air tight container.This masala can be used in preparations like Pav Bhaji and Tava Pulav.
Click here to watch recipe video
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