The comforting aroma of warm spices toasting in a pan is at the heart of any good pilau, and this Pilau Masala captures that essence beautifully. Made with a carefully balanced mix of whole spices like coriander, cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon, this blend is crafted to bring depth and fragrance to every pot of pilau rice. Each spice is gently toasted to release its full flavor, then ground into a fine powder that infuses the dish with warmth and tradition. While it’s made especially for pilau, a sprinkle of this masala can also add a flavorful twist to curries, soups, or roasted vegetables!
Homemade Signature Pilau Masala Powder Recipe
1/2
cup5
minutes15
minutesA fragrant, homemade spice blend made especially for pilau. Whole spices like coriander, cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon are dry-toasted and ground to release bold, earthy flavors. Perfect for adding depth to pilau rice, and can also enhance curries, soups, or roasted dishes.
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Ingredients
3 tbsp Coriander Seeds
1 tbsp Cumin Seeds
1/2 tbsp Fennel Seeds
1 nos Black Peppercorns
7 nos Cloves
7 nos Cardamom
1 nos Star Anise
1 nos Mace
4 nos Dried Red Chilies
2 pieces Cinnamon (about 1 inch)
2 Bay Leaves
2 pieces Nutmeg (1/2 of a whole seed, divided)
Directions
- Add coriander, cumin, fennel, black peppercorns, cloves, cardamom, star anise, mace, and one piece of nutmeg to a heavy-bottomed skillet.
- Dry toast these spices over low heat until fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Once aromatic, transfer them to a plate and allow them to cool completely.
- In the same skillet, dry toast the dried red chiles, cinnamon, bay leaves, and the remaining piece of nutmeg over low heat until fragrant. Add them to the same plate and let cool
- Once all the spices are cooled, transfer them to a spice grinder and grind on high speed until you get a fine, aromatic powder.
- Use immediately or store in an airtight spice container for future use
Notes
- For a smoky twist, you can lightly roast the red chilies separately over an open flame before grinding them. Or add a pinch of turmeric or dried ginger powder for a custom variation.
- Store this blend in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dry place to preserve its potency. It stays fresh and aromatic for up to 3 to 4 months.
- For pilau rice, use 1 to 1½ teaspoons of Pilau Masala per cup of rice, adjusting to taste.
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