Chaat masala, also spelled chat masala, is a powdered spice mix, or masala, originating from the Indian subcontinent, typically used to add flavor to chaat. It typically consists of amchoor (dried mango powder), cumin, coriander, dried ginger, salt (often black salt), black pepper, asafoetida, and chili powder.[1] [2] Garam masala is optional.[3]
Beyond its use in preparing chaat, chaat masala finds use in Indian fruit salads made with papaya, sapodilla, apples and bananas. Chaat masala is also sprinkled on potatoes, fruit, egg toasts and regular salads in India.
Spice brands market an alternate spice mix called fruit chaat masala, which contains less cumin, coriander, and ginger, but more chili pepper, black salt, amchoor and asafoetida. Street vendors usually mix their own chaat masala, which is sprinkled on chopped-up fruit or fresh vegetables (such as raw white radish in the northern regions of the Indian subcontinent). Sometimes black salt with chili powder alone is used.[4]