Chandra's Kitchen King Masala Recipe (No Onion No Garlic)

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp coriander seeds – Citrusy, nutty, sweet; adds body
• 2 tbsp cumin seeds – Earthy and warm; foundational flavor
• 1 tsp mustard seeds – Pungent and bitter; adds heat
• 1 tbsp chana dal – Nutty and slightly sweet; adds structure
• 1 tbsp urad dal – Creamy and earthy; thickens and binds
• 2–3 pcs cassia bark – Warm and sweet-spicy; adds fullness
• 5 cloves – Sharp and sweet; gives pungency
• 1 star anise – Floral and licorice; elevates aroma
• 5–6 green cardamoms – Sweet and citrusy; adds high notes
• 1 black cardamom – Smoky and mentholic; adds deep warmth
• 1 blade mace – Delicate and aromatic; blends top/base notes
• ½ tsp aniseed – Sweet licorice flavor
• ½ tsp ajwain – Strong and garlic-like; aids digestion
• 1 tsp black pepper powder – Sharp and pungent; adds heat
• 1 tbsp turmeric powder – Earthy and golden; adds color
• 1 tsp dry ginger powder – Sweet heat; balances flavors
• ½ tsp nutmeg powder – Sweet and woody; adds richness
• 1½ tsp crushed kasuri methi – Slightly bitter; adds signature Punjabi depth
• 2 tsp hing (asafoetida) – Umami-rich; provides garlic/onion-like depth
• 1 tsp sendha namak (rock salt) – Mineral and mild; balances flavors
• 1 tsp tomato powder – Tangy and savory; adds restaurant-style depth
• ½ tsp fenugreek powder – Bitter and nutty; rounds out base flavor