Bhaja Moshla – The Mighty Masala.
Bhaja Moshla – the magical spice blend that can amp up the flavor quotient in a jiffy! Most Bengali families will have a stash of Bhaja Moshla in their pantry and add fat pinches of it to their every day cooking.
There are many versions of this magic masala. Some use cumin, fennel seeds and dried red chilies while others add Whole Garam Masala (Cinnamon, Clove & Green Cardamom) to theirs. Now I am a sucker for coriander. I love the burst of warm flavors it adds to any dish. Along with cumin seeds, fennel seeds and red chilies, I add coriander seeds to my Bhaja Moshla blend.
I pick up most of my spices from Wholefoods which saves me a trip to the Indian grocery store which is a 20-minute drive away. Those who know me is privy to my pet peeve – I do not like driving long distances for everyday stuff. I enjoy driving long distances but only when I am going on a trip! A trip to the grocery store most definitely does not fall into that category.
Growing up, whenever I got sick and refused to eat, my Ma would make me this flavorful bowlful of cubed boiled potatoes with couple of squeezes of lemon juice, hit it with a little salt and a generous sprinkle Bhaja Moshla on it. I think it was the aroma of the roasted spices that made me feel all better!
The stars of my Bhaja Moshla are – cumin, fennel seeds, coriander seeds and dried red chilies.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp. of cumin
- 2 dried red chilies
- 1 tbsp. of coriander seeds
- 1 tbsp. of fennel seeds
How to make Bhaja Moshla. The process could not be simpler.
Heat a heavy bottom pan, and once its hot enough throw in the spices. Roast on medium high heat while stirring continuously till the aroma of warm toasty spices surrounds you. Take the pan off the heat and transfer the spices to a bowl and let it cool down completely.
Once the spices have cooled down, use a spice grinder (I used my coffee grinder) to grind it into a fine powder. Store the leftover in a air-tight container for future use.
Sprinkle on whatever you want and enjoy the yumminess.
I like to make my own spice blends. Check out:
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