How to Make Bhuna Masala: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine, you’ve likely heard of Bhuna Masala Recipe. This lavish & edible spice blend is the foundation of many well-liked Indian dishes, including curries, biryanis, and more. While you can surely buy pre-made Bhuna Masala at the store, nothing beats the flavour and delight of making it yourself at home. The good news is, it’s simple than you might think!

Ingredients 

To make a Recipe, you’ll need a variety of spices that are commonly used in Indian cooking. Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need:

– 1/2 cup coriander seeds

– 1/4 cup cumin seeds

– 2 tablespoons black peppercorns

– 1 tablespoon black cardamom pods

– 1 tablespoon whole cloves

– 2 tablespoons fennel seeds

– 1 tablespoon cinnamon sticks

– 1 tablespoon dried red chilli flakes

– 1/2 cup dried coconut, shredded

– 1/4 cup sesame seeds

– 1/4 cup poppy seeds

Step-by-step process to make Recipe

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it is time to make the Bhuna Masala. Follow these simple steps:

1. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the Coriander seeds, Cumin seeds, black peppercorns, fennel seeds, black cardamom pods, whole cloves, and cinnamon sticks. Toast the spices for 2-3 Minutes or until fragrant.
2. Add the dried red chilli flakes, shredded coconut, sesame seeds, & poppy seeds to the skillet. Toast for another 2-3 minutes or until the coconut turns golden brown and the sesame and poppy seeds start to pop.
3. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the spices cool completely.
4. Once the spices have cooled, transfer them to a spice grinder or blender. Grind the spices” into a fine powder.
5. Transfer the Bhuna Masala to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect Recipe

– Use whole spices whenever possible. They have a longer shelf life and retain more flavour than pre-ground spices.

– Toasting the spices is important to bring out their full flavour. Be careful not to burn them, as this will give the Bhuna Masala a bitter taste.

– Use a spice grinder or blender to grind the spices into a fine powder. This will help to evenly distribute the flavours throughout the dish.

– Store the Bhuna Masala in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This will help to preserve the flavour and aroma of the spices.

Chicken Bhuna Masala

Ingredients:

– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

– 1 onion, finely chopped

– 2 garlic cloves, minced

– 1 tablespoon ginger paste

– 1/2 cup tomato puree

– 2 tablespoons Bhuna Masala

– Salt, to taste

– Cilantro leaves, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes or until it starts to soften.
2. Add the garlic & ginger paste and sauté for another minute or until fragrant.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes or until browned on all sides.
4. Add the tomato puree, Bhuna Masala, and salt to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro leaves and serve hot with rice or naan bread.

 Paneer Bhuna Masala Recipe

Ingredients:

– 1 pound paneer, cut into bite-sized pieces

– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

– 1 onion, finely chopped

– 2 garlic cloves, minced

– 1 tablespoon ginger paste

– 1/2 cup tomato puree

– 2 tablespoons Bhuna Masala

– Salt, to taste

– Cilantro leaves, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes or until it starts to soften.
2. Add the garlic & ginger paste and sauté for another minute or until fragrant.
3. Add the paneer to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes or until browned on all sides.
4. Add the tomato puree, Bhuna Masala, and salt to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the paneer simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and the paneer is heated through.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro leaves and serve hot with rice or naan bread.

Veg Bhuna Masala Recipe

Ingredients:

– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as potatoes, carrots, peas, and cauliflower), cut into bite-sized pieces

– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

– 1 onion, finely chopped

– 2 garlic cloves, minced

– 1 tablespoon ginger paste

– 1/2 cup tomato puree

– 2 tablespoons Bhuna Masala

– Salt, to taste

– Cilantro leaves, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes or until it starts to soften.
2. Add the garlic & ginger paste and sauté for another minute or until fragrant.
3. Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes or until they start to soften.
4. Add the tomato puree, Bhuna Masala, and salt to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the vegetables simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the vegetables are cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro leaves and serve hot with rice or naan bread.

Serving suggestions 

Bhuna Masala is a versatile spice blend that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions:

– Serve Bhuna Chicken with rice or naan bread for a hearty and satisfying meal.

– Paneer Bhuna Masala is a vegetarian dish that pairs well with basmati rice or garlic naan bread.

– Bhuna Masala Vegetables can be served as a side dish or as a main course with rice or naan bread.

Frequently asked questions 

Q: Can I use pre-ground spices to make Bhuna Masala?

A: While you can use pre-ground spices, whole spices are preferred as they have a longer shelf life and retain more flavour.

Q: How long does Bhuna Masala last?

A: Bhuna Masala can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

Q: Can I adjust the spice level of Bhuna Masala?

A: Yes, you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less dried red chilli flakes.

Conclusion – Enjoying the authentic taste 

In this step-by-step guide’ we have shown you how to make delicious Masala from scratch using simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this guide has given you all the tips and tricks you need to create a mouth-watering Recipe that will elevate your Indian cooking to the next level. Vegetables, there are endless ways to use this versatile spice blend. So why not try making your own Masala at home today and enjoy the authentic taste of Indian cuisine right in your own kitchen?