CA's Masala (aka "Spice Mix"/"Mix Powder"/"Curry Powder")

[Cory Ander]

Sorry to dig up an old thread but where it states "sweet paprika" could I just use the common one found in most Asian Food stores?

Yep, that will do you just fine BMB.

[Petrolhead360]

Hi CA,

I made your mix today as I mentioned in the chicken Jalfrezi post.
I also made your base at the same time.
My question is, is it recommended to leave the mix to mature before using?
Another mix I usually use is a couple of months old and smells quite strong.
Your mix has a very light aroma. I wonder how this will affect the base.

Regards, James

[natterjak]

Hi James. Maybe CA didn't notice your question yet. FWIW I would say that a spice mix should be used as soon as possible as it will slowly lose its potency, not mature and gain flavour. That said you should be too worried about using it quickly as it'll keep in an airtight jar for months. But no sense in deliberately storing it hoping it will somehow gain flavour.

[Cory Ander]

I agree with Natterjak.  Same goes for all individual spices, in my opinion.  I generally grind coriander and cumin seeds when making my masala.  And I generally make only enough to last a month or so (using tablespoon measures in my recipe).

Having said that, I know Pat Chapman says that his tandoori masala "matures" with age.  I'm not quite sure why he says that (maybe he means that the flavours will homogenise/mellow in time)?  I admit I store this for a lot longer (i.e. months) and it doesn't seem to lose much of it's "potency".

[chillihothot]

Can I use Masala mix out of a packet as a replacement for the CA curry base? I am missing sweet paprika.

[Malc.]

I would suggest not. As your masala is a mix of many spices, replacing the sweet paprika in CA's recipe with your masala, will create a different flavoured blend of spicing. Sweet Paprika is your standard commonly found Paprika in your local supermarket.

[Cory Ander]

Can I use Masala mix out of a packet as a replacement for the CA curry base? I am missing sweet paprika.

Hi CH,

Yes, you can use it as a replacement IN (but not "for") the curry base.  I state in my curry base recipe that:

"You can use an alternative spice mix (or any decent curry powder, or individual spices), if you prefer, but the result will undoubtedly be different"

It might be better, or it might be worse, as a consequence...

[walleye]

Sorry to dig this one up just mixed a batch I need to add the  fenugreek powder I will that in the morning as it is in my shed at the moment as I use it my bait making . I tasted the dry mix seems bitter is this right ?.
Hope to make my first base mix at weekend

[Cory Ander]

Hi Walleye,

You use fenugreek powder to make bait?  Fish bait (for Carp?) is it?  Spoilt little b*ggers, aint they! 

Regarding your question, many powdered spices will taste bitter, in their raw state.  The bitterness/rawness will (should) go when the spices are cooked.

[walleye]

Hi Walleye,

You use fenugreek powder to make bait?  Fish bait (for Carp?) is it?  Spoilt little b*ggers, aint they! 

Regarding your question, many powdered spices will taste bitter, in their raw state.  The bitterness/rawness will (should) go when the spices are cooked.

fenugreek is used in quite of few flavourings including some of the so called  maple syrups