Perhaps the most extraordinary feature of Indian cuisine is its masalas that elevate the taste, stir the aroma and whet the appetite. Whether to make the curry spicier, the meat more flavourful, or the dish more zestful, masalas have long been the trademark feature of Indian cooking and food preparation. 

These masalas are a delicate blend of flavoursome spices, each with a unique taste and texture of its own. As per Ayurvedic traditions, these spices are also crucial for an individual’s health. Each masala combo varies in its degree of hotness to impart a delectable and characteristic taste to otherwise bland and raw constituents of a meal. Thus, all the famous masalas in India stand out in terms of colour, components, and dishes they complement the best. 

Let’s take a look at the four most typical and flavourful Indian masalas that are a staple of India’s culinary delights:

Garam Masala

The most obvious entry in our list, Garam Masala, derives its name from the Hindi word for ‘hot.’ It is made from coriander, cumin, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, fennel seeds, and black peppercorns. Naturally, this popular masala adds a hot flavour to regular Indian dishes without the bite of spiciness. 

Goda Masala

In Maharashtra’s Puneri Brahmin communities, Goda Masala makes a mouth-watering aromatic blend that combines whole spices without any pungency. Its sweet fragrance is its unique characteristic, derived from a lichen called stone flower. Naturally, this masala has a sweet aftertaste and is ever-present in the state’s staple vegetarian dishes.  

East Indian Vindaloo Masala

The East Indian Vindaloo Masala is key to making the Hall-of-Famer curry brought by the Portuguese with their Carne de vinha d’alhos (meat marinated in wine-vinegar and garlic). The masala consists of cinnamon, cardamom, pepper and other local spices that can make any dish stand out, thanks to a fine spice blend of red chilli, cumin, black mustard, and turmeric. You can buy it and other spices like Malvani Masala, Goda Masala, and Ghati Masala in a masala combo pack from homegrown brands like Aazol.

Chaat Masala

Thanks to its tangy flavor and versatility, the extremely popular Chaat Masala is also worth mentioning. Add it to any street food or a boring, bland dish, and savour it like never before. Cumin, coriander, ginger, asafoetida, pepper, black salt, and amchur are its key ingredients. 

Summing up!

While many households prefer to purchase Indian masalas from the market, some favour homemade masala powder. In any case, it is always worth savouring the masalas that are native to the regions. Here, homegrown brands like Aazol bring you the most flavoursome, authentic, and completely natural Indian masalas from the rich cultures of Maharashtra. So, indulge, enjoy and make the most of your favourite Indian culinary delights!