8 September, 2023
Bengali Spice Magic Bhaja Masala
Bengali Spice Magic Bhaja masala, also known as bhaja moshla or roasted spice mix, is a flavorful blend of spices commonly used in Bengali cuisine to add depth and aroma to various dishes. While there can be variations in the recipe depending on personal preference and regional differences, a typical bhaja masala might include ingredients like cumin seeds, coriander seeds ,fennel seeds, and sometimes cinnamon, cloves, or cardamom.
To prepare bhaja masala, the spices are dry-roasted in a pan until they release their aroma and slightly change color. Then, they are allowed to cool before being ground into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder. This homemade spice mix can be stored in an airtight container for several weeks and used to enhance the flavor of vegetables, meats, and lentil dishes. It adds a unique and aromatic touch to Bengali cuisine.
This simple blend of spices, roasted and ground, is used in a wide range of Bengali dishes from vegetables to churmur, ghughni, dahi vada , phuchka etc .
Serves 10 gm
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp cumin seeds (jeera)
- 1 tbsp fennel seeds (saunf)
- 1 tsp coriander seeds (dhana)
- 2 pc cardamom (elaichi)
Method
- To start, measure out the whole spices in the specified proportions. You can lightly crush them with a pestle or rolling pin before roasting for enhanced flavor.
- Next, heat a pan over medium-low flame and add the whole spices. Dry-roast them evenly on all sides, stirring continuously for approximately 8 minutes.
- Patience is key here—the spices require thorough roasting to develop their full flavor.
- Once roasted, transfer the spices to a grinder and grind until you achieve a fine powder.
- Alternatively, you can use a mortar and pestle for a more hands-on approach.
- Finally, store your freshly ground bhaja masala powder in an airtight container to preserve its aroma and flavor.”