• 1o cloves
• seeds from 3 cardamoms
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp coriander seeds
• 2 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 tbsp dehydrated onions
• 1 tsp granulated garlic powder
• 1 tsp ginger powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp peppercorn
• pinch of red food color

Steps

1. Grind the above mix in a spice grinder
2. Store in an air-tight container away from light

The ingredients are generally added in equal proportions, though this can vary according to taste.

Panch Phoron

Ingredients

1. 1 tbsp nigella seeds
2. 1 tbsp yellow mustard seeds
3. 1 tbsp fenugreek seeds
4. 1 tbsp fennel seeds
5. 1 tbsp cumin seeds

Steps

• Combine all spices.
• Store away from light

In Bangladesh, chat mix is used heavily in the food served by street vendors – the ubiquitous fuchka and chatpati vans that one everywhere.

A Fuchka stand in Dhaka - courtesy Faizul Latif Chowdhury

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons cumin seeds
• 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
• 2 tablespoons rock salt
• 3/4 dried red chilli
• 1 tablespoon garam masalla
• 1 tablespoon ginger powder
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon table salt
• 1 tablespoon dry mango powder (amchur)
• 1/2 teaspoon citric acid powder
• 1/2 teaspoon astofoeda powder

Steps

1. Dry roast the cumin and coriander seeds
2. Lightly roast the red chilis.
3. Grind all ingredients into a powder
4. Keep sealed

Notes:

You can get good Chat Masala from Sub-continental stores in the US. No need to make everything from scratch if you are pressed for time.