Indian Masala Dabba OR Indian Spice Box :
If you would ask the only thing I can’t imagine my kitchen without is my “Masala Dabba”. Masala dabbas or a traditional Indian spice box are a staple in traditional Indian kitchens! A masala dabba is a spice storage container that keeps common ingredients handy to make the cooking process easier and the simplest way to keep all those spices on hand (literally).
Indian food is known for its bold and vibrant flavors which can easily be accredited to the various spices used in every component of every dish.
What’s In My Masala Dabba?
Here is a peak of what I keep in my spice box, which is heavily influenced by what my Mom keeps in hers! These spices along with a few others that don’t fit in the box are the keys to regular home style Indian cooking.
* Cumin – coriander powder spice blend.
* Red Chili powder.
* Turmeric powder.
* Mustard seeds.
* Cumin Seeds
* Carom seeds
* Asafetida (Hing)
* Sesame seeds
* Methi seeds
Cumin seeds, black mustard seeds and asofetida are used VERY often for tempering of oil in Gujarati dishes. while I keep a spice blend of cumin and coriander powder, you may choose to keep ground coriander separate from ground cumin powder. Dhaniya jeera blend is commonly used in Gujarati cooking so I use that.
