Achari masala

Name: Achari masala
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp Fennel seeds (Saunf); 2 Tbsp Red Chilli powder; 2 Tbsp Turmeric powder; 6 Tbsp Whole mustard seeds (Rai); 4 tsp Nigella seeds (Kalonji); 2 Tbsp Fenugreek seeds (Methi Dana); 2 Tbsp salt

Bianca Mwale @bianca_eatsy

Zomba, Malawi

I moved cities last year and that meant finding new plugs for fresh produce and spices. I find the best way to purchase spices is on scale. That way I get the exact amount needed of each type, refilling as needed and no overstayed less used spices in my canisters.

My last city had an Indian specialty grocer. I’ll admit their pre-made achar/ACHARI masala was and is the best I’ve used so far - hands down for both flavor and color. Luckily I’d bought an excess amount that I used in last year’s mango pickle. However, I was completely out when it was time to make the pickle this year; scouted shops in my new city (all Indian shops) and not only did their achar masala look different, the smell and taste were odd too (not very bad, just not for me).

Knowing I could not make an exact replica achar masala, I still fiddled with some essential whole spices I had on hand. Mixing and matching until I came up with something clearly off on the color but still closer in taste to all time favorite specialty grocer’s achar masala.

Bianca Mwale @bianca_eatsy

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Ingredients

2 TbspFennel seeds (Saunf)
2 TbspRed Chilli powder
2 TbspTurmeric powder
6 TbspWhole mustard seeds (Rai)
4 tspNigella seeds (Kalonji)
2 TbspFenugreek seeds (Methi Dana)
2 Tbspsalt

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Steps

1

Gather ingredients
2

On medium heat, dry roast whole spices until fragrant (NOT BURNT). If you’re scared about burning them, feel free to fry roast each type separately and mix them up later
3

Allow roasted whole spices to cool completely before transferring to a blender or manual grinder
4

Blend/grind to preferred texture i.e., can be ground to a fine or coarse powder
5

Combine with salt, turmeric and Chilli powder until fully incorporated
6

Use as preferred or store in an airtight container for later in a clean, dry and airtight container