Tandoori Masala Recipe » LeelaLicious (2024)

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by Regina | Leelalicious 1 Comment

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Make your own homemade Tandoori Masala at home with this easy recipe and ingredients you might already have in your pantry. Use this recipe to make Tandoori chicken, salmon, or to season roasted veggies.

Tandoori Masala Recipe » LeelaLicious (1)

What spices are in Tandoori Masala

Tandoori Masala is a seasoning mix that includes a variety of spices including paprika, coriander, cumin, turmeric, chili, and Garam Masala (another spice mix that includes warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, etc.)

A Tandoor is a clay oven used in Indian cooking. Masala simply means seasoning in Hindi. Tandoori flavoured dishes usually stand out because of their bright red colour.

This striking colour is often achieved by using orange or red food coloring. I am keeping this Tandoori Masala powder recipe on the natural side by relying only on the spices' natural red food colouring - especially the red from the paprika (smoked and regular) and yellow from the turmeric. It is also free from any preservatives.

Tandoori Masala Recipe » LeelaLicious (2)

How to Make Tandoori Masala at Home

As is the case with most of my ethnic recipes, I don’t claim that this Tandoori recipe is the most authentic way to make it. Many Indian seasoning mixes require to first dry roast the whole spices and seeds and then freshly grinding them at home.

I am certain this makes for an incredibly flavourful Tandoori seasoning, but in my home kitchen I just usually don't take the time to toast and grind whole spices. So instead I am using ground spices from my spice rack.

To ensure full flavours I just try to use the ground spices within 6 months or so of purchase. So if that sits better with you, let’s call this a simplified or easy Tandoori recipe.

Tandoori Masala Recipe » LeelaLicious (3)

Making this Tandoori Masala then, is as easy as this:

  1. Pull all the individual spice ingredient from the rack/pantry/cabinet
  2. Measure the ingredients into a jar or bowl
  3. Close the jar and shake to mix. Or use a whisk to combine the ingredients in a bowl

Done! Use the Tandoori Masala right away or store in an airtight container until later use.

Is tandoori masala spicy?

While this Tandoori Masala recipe includes some red chili powder, it is not an overly spicy seasoning mix. Chili powder is just one of many ingredients, and makes up a small amount of the mix, compared to the other spice ingredients.

Using this Tandoori spice mix will give your food a little heat, but nothing overpowering. My preschooler dislikes all spicy foods (at the moment) but she never complains when I use this Tandoori spice recipe.

How to Use Tandoori Masala Spice Mix

I love using this homemade Tandoori Masala on EVERYTHING! Aside from using in certain Indian dishes, it is a great all-purpose seasoning to give anything from veggies to protein a delicious flavour without having to pull out half of my spice rack from the shelf. Mixed with yogurt it makes an amazing marinade for poultry, seafood, or tofu.

Here are just some of the ways I’ve used it in my kitchen:

  • Crispy roasted chickpeas
  • Roasted sheet pan veggies
  • Tandoori Chicken Wings
  • Tandoori Salmon
Tandoori Masala Recipe » LeelaLicious (5)

Other great homemade spice mix recipes

  • Gluten Free Taco Seasoning
  • Cajun Spice Mix
  • Homemade Chai Spice Mix
  • Homemade Ranch Seasoning
  • Best Dry Rub for Ribs
  • Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning

Tandoori Masala Recipe » LeelaLicious (6)

Tandoori Masala Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Make your own homemade Tandoori Masala at home with this easy recipe and ingredients you might already have in your pantry.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 minute min

Course Spice Blend

Cuisine Indian

Servings 7 tablespoons

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons ground paprika
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
  • 2 teaspoons ginger powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons chili powder
  • 2.5 teaspoons Garam Masala

If you don't have Garam Masala, use:

  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Grind any spices that you don't have already ground in a spice mill or coffee grinder.

  • Measure out all ingredients into a small bowl and stir to combine well.

  • Using a funnel or small spoon fill the Tandoori masala mix into a spice jar and use in your recipes.

Keyword Tandoori Masala

Tried this recipe?Please leave a comment below! Share a picture on social media with tag #leelalicious !

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Random Questions

What spices are in Tandoori Masala?

Tandoori Masala typically includes paprika, coriander, cumin, turmeric, chili, and Garam Masala, which incorporates warming spices like cinnamon and cardamom.

What is the difference between tandoori masala and garam masala?

Tandoori Masala is used as a seasoning mix for specific dishes, while Garam Masala is a spice blend used more broadly in Indian cuisine, often added towards the end of cooking for added flavor.

What's the difference between tikka and tandoori?

Tikka refers to small pieces of meat, often marinated and cooked on skewers. Tandoori, on the other hand, refers to the method of cooking in a clay oven and typically involves marinating the food in a Tandoori Masala.

What is the flavor of tandoori masala?

Tandoori Masala offers a balanced blend of warm, earthy, and slightly spicy flavors, with hints of paprika, coriander, cumin, and other aromatic spices, contributing to its distinct taste.

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Tandoori Masala Recipe » LeelaLicious (2024)

FAQs

What does tandoori masala contain? ›

Tandoori Masala 100g. Coriander, Paprika, Salt, Garlic, Chilli, Cumin, Fenugreek, Onion Powder, CELERY, Citric Acid, Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, Sugar, Star Anissed, Fennel, Silicon, Dioxide, Black Pepper, Lemon Oil, Bay Leaves, Sunflower Oil, Nutmeg (Colours E129, E102).

What is the difference between garam masala and tandoori masala? ›

These spice blends play a significant role in Indian cooking and share similar ingredients. But the difference between the two is that tandoori masala contains spice from the chili powder while garam masala has more of a mild taste. Some recipes for tandoori masala include garam masala.

What can I use instead of tandoori masala? ›

What is a quick substitute for tandoori spice? If you are in a bind and don't have a tandoori masala take an equal amount of garam masala and add as much red Kashmiri chili powder or cayenne pepper as you wish. You might start with a teaspoon of Kashmiri chili and 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.

What's the difference between tandoori masala and curry powder? ›

Ultimately both curry powder and masala are blended spice mixes that can be added to food to pack a spicy and aromatic kick. In the end, the difference boils down to the different mix of spices, masala being more of a warming aromatic blend and curry powder being more of an earthy blend.

What are the ingredients in Desi tandoori masala? ›

Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons ground coriander.
  • 1 ½ tablespoons ground cumin.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves.
  • 1 teaspoon ground mace.
  • 1 teaspoon ground fenugreek.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
Jul 29, 2022

What is the difference between chicken tikka and tandoori masala? ›

Skinless, boneless chicken breast portions are necessary for chicken tikka kebabs. On the other hand, half and whole chicken can be used to make chicken tandoori. For making tandoori, legs, breasts, and wings are typically used. In addition, the delicatessen contains some bone.

Why is tandoori masala red? ›

Tandoori chicken is red primarily because of the use of a specific spice called Kashmiri red chili powder in its marinade. Kashmiri red chili powder is made from dried, ground Kashmiri red chilies, which have a vibrant red color and a mild level of spiciness.

Which masala is closest to garam masala? ›

Cumin and Allspice Blend

He says, "This spice combo is very similar to garam masala, and the allspice reminds you of clove, cinnamon, pepper, and even nutmeg.

What does tandoori chicken masala taste like? ›

What does tandoori taste like? Tandoori tastes spicy and flavorful, with a slightly smoky taste due to the high heat of the tandoor. The spices used in tandoori dishes, such as cumin, coriander, garam masala, and turmeric, give them a warm, aromatic flavor.

What can I use instead of yoghurt in tandoori? ›

Although traditionally tandoori chicken recipes call for plain yogurt as the base, I'm not a big yogurt fan. I decided to try using coconut milk instead, and it turned out great!

What is the difference between butter chicken masala and tandoori masala? ›

The main difference between butter chicken and tandoori chicken tikka masala is the level of creaminess; butter chicken is much creamier, whereas chicken tikka masala relies on tomatoes and other spices, giving it its earthy and spicy flavor profile.

What is tandoori sauce made of? ›

Mix together salt, cayenne, coriander, chili powder, garlic powder, dry mustard, ginger, turmeric, fennel, cumin, and paprika in a food processor. Add lime juice and yogurt when ready to make a paste; store in refrigerator.

What is tandoori masala used for? ›

Tandoori masala is used extensively with dishes such as tandoori chicken. In this dish, the chicken is covered with a mixture of plain yogurt and tandoori masala. The chicken is then roasted in the tandoor on high heat; when prepared in this fashion the chicken has a pink-colored exterior and a savory flavor.

Is tandoori masala powder healthy? ›

But did you know that the specific spices used in tandoori cooking have a host of hidden health benefits? It's true! Not only is tandoori cooking tasty, but every bite is packed full of important nutrients and healthy qualities your body needs to look and feel its best.

Is tandoori masala hot spicy? ›

This blend has a mild to medium heat and is characterized by a number of unusual Indian spices, including amchur and kala namak. In many traditional and commercial blends, red colouring is included to turn the meat a bright red, but there are no additives in our tandoori masala.

What does masala consist of? ›

Either a blend of dried spices or a spice paste, masala often includes garlic, ginger, chile paste, tomato and onion, along with coriander, cinnamon, cumin, cloves and cardamom. Familiar here thanks to chicken tikka masala, its spiced, flavor-forward profile makes it a go-to spice blend for many Indian-accented dishes.

What is tandoori marinade made of? ›

Mix yogurt, onion, garlic, garam masala, ginger, and cayenne pepper together in a medium bowl until smooth, then stir in food coloring. Spread yogurt mixture over chicken, cover, and refrigerate for 6 to 24 hours (the longer the better).

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