🌿 Encyclopedia · Spice Blends
Kitchen King Masala
The all-purpose North Indian masala blend
MDH's most famous blend adapted for home — the combination masala that works in almost any North Indian dish.
The all-purpose North Indian masala blend
MDH's most famous blend adapted for home — the combination masala that works in almost any North Indian dish.
Kitchen King masala is the most versatile North Indian blend — a balanced combination that works in curries, sabzis, dals and even chaats. It is a combination masala in the truest sense: its ratios are designed so that no single spice dominates, producing a universally applicable base flavour. The home-made version has more cardamom and mace than commercial versions, producing a more aromatic result.
| Quantity (makes ~50g) | Spice — and its role |
|---|---|
| 3 tbsp | Coriander seeds base Primary base — largest |
| 2 tbsp | Cumin seeds earthy Base |
| 1 tbsp | Black pepper warmth Warmth |
| 1 tsp | Green cardamom floral Aroma |
| 1 tsp | Kashmiri chilli colour, mild heat Colour |
| 1 tsp | Turmeric colour Colour — add after roasting |
| 1 tsp | Dry mango powder (amchur) tanginess Slight tang — add after |
| ½ tsp | Cinnamon warmth Background warm |
| ½ tsp | Cloves intensity Intensity |
| ½ tsp | Mace floral, nutmeg Floral |
| ¼ tsp | Dry ginger powder warmth After roasting |
| ¼ tsp | Nutmeg sweet warmth After roasting |
Roast coriander (2 min), cumin (90 sec), pepper (1 min), cardamom (30 sec), cinnamon and cloves (45 sec). Cool.
Kitchen King's balanced character comes from balanced roasting — each spice developed to the same approximate Maillard level. Unlike garam masala where some spices are more heavily roasted for depth, Kitchen King is designed for even, gentle development.
Grind roasted spices. Add turmeric, amchur, dry ginger and nutmeg. Mix thoroughly.