Description

Kebab masala is a special blend of spices which are used to marinate lamb, chicken or fish before preparing kebabs. The usual ingredients are bayleaf, ginger root, cinnamon, cloves, peppercorn, coriander seeds, fennel and chilli powder. It can be prepared at home or bought from a store.Use a food processor or blender to grind together the bay leaf, ginger, cinnamon, coriander seeds, salt, fennel seeds and chili powder. Combine this spice mix with the garam masala, lemon juice, turmeric and oil in a large bowl and the kebab masala is ready to be sprinkled over lamb or chicken before grilling or during marinating.

How to select

While commercial kebab masala preparations can be bought ready ground, as with all ground spice, they do not keep well and soon lose their aroma. Whole spices, which keep fresh much longer, can be ground when needed using a mortar and pestle or electric coffee grinder. While buying packaged kebab masala, check the expiry date and feel for lumpiness( sign of moisture inside the packet.

Culinary Uses

· The special blend of spice called kebab masala is used in a small quantity for marinating chicken or meat .Please note, goda masala must be added in small quantities, or else it will overpower the dish.
· Kebab masala is used to prepare seekh kababs, boti kababs and other kababs like reshmi kabab, vegetable kabab, hara bhara kabab and are at times, even added to curries, vegetable dishes, soups, or stews .
· Kebab masala can be added to season fish curry, chicken masala and in the marinade for mutton.
· This masala is the key ingredient in some of the regional recipes, such as tikiya kabab, kakori kababs, etc.

How to store

Store kebab masala in an airtight container and keep it in a cool dark place.

Health benefits

· Since the masala powder is added only in small quantities, it does not have substantial health benefits. However the use of cloves, and peppercorns are known to improve digestive complaints and immune functions.