chat masala

In Indian cuisine, chat masala, while similar to garam masala, is usually used to flavour fruit salads, rather than hot dishes. It has a slightly sour taste which contrasts well with the sweetness of fruits such as papayas, bananas, and guavas. As a true chat masala is made with all kinds of root, twigs, and other things not normally found in North American kitchens, it's actually better to buy this seasoning pre-made. Any Indian grocery should carry it. If you want to make your own, this is a simplified but pretty good version. The measurements may not be exact.

• 2 teaspoons ground, roasted cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon cayenne powder
• 1/2 teaspoon asafetida powder
• 1.5 teaspoons mango powder
• 1 to 1.5 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon black salt (kala namak)
• 2 teaspoons coarse salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground, roasted fennel seeds

Mix all ingredients and store, tightly covered, in a cool place.