Chaat masala

Chaat masala is a vibrant spice blend originating from the Indian subcontinent, and it's extensively used in Indian, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani cuisines. This tangy mix typically comprises amchoor (dried mango powder), cumin, coriander, dried ginger, salt, black pepper, asafoetida (hing), and chili powder. It's a quintessential ingredient for enhancing the flavor of dishes like potatoes, fruits, egg toasts, and salads.

A notable variant is fruit chaat masala, which has a distinct flavor profile. This variation emphasizes chili pepper, black salt, amchoor, and asafoetida, and contains less cumin, coriander, and ginger. Street vendors across the Indian subcontinent frequently concoct their own chaat masala blends to sprinkle over chopped fruits or fresh vegetables. At times, they even opt for a simpler mix of just black salt and chili powder for a quick burst of flavor.