Say hello to our simplified, inspired version of Tandoori Masala! Inspired by the ingredients in the Whole Foods store-bought version of this spice mix, this easy homemade version comes together with just 6 simple ingredients in 5 minutes! It’s smoky, earthy, balanced, and perfect for seasoning chickpeas, tofu, roasted vegetables, chicken, and beyond!
What is Tandoori Masala?
A tandoor is a type of clay oven used originally in northern India and Pakistan, and masala refers to any of a number of spice mixtures ground into a paste or powder for use in Indian cooking. Tandoori Masala is a spice blend typically used for marinating meat or vegetables before cooking them in the tandoor! It’s a smoky, slightly sweet, and earthy spice blend that we’re loving!
For a more authentic version of Tandoori Masala, you could try this recipe from Binjal’s Veg Kitchen.
How to Make Tandoori Masala
Our simplified, 6-ingredient version features smoky, earthy cumin, bright red sweet paprika, pungent garlic and ginger, sweet and floral coriander, and zesty cardamom.
While the Whole Foods version of this blend is heavier on the paprika (making it red in color), we prefer it to be heavier on the cumin for best flavor. Feel free to play around with the ratios to make it your own!
When ready to make the blend, simply measure out your ground spices into a jar and stir or shake it up!
We hope you LOVE this spice mix! It’s:
Smoky
Earthy
Versatile
Quick & Easy
& A go-to in the Minimalist Baker kitchen!
We use it to season chickpeas, tofu, roasted vegetables, chicken, and more. It’s also the star of our new Tandoori Tofu Sheet Pan Meal!
More DIY Spice Mixes
Homemade Chili PowderDIY Curry PowderDIY Shawarma Spice Blend
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo @minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
Easy Tandoori Spice Mix (6 Ingredients!)
Smoky, earthy, and slightly sweet Tandoori Masala that’s perfect for vegetables, meat, and beyond! Just 1 jar, 6 ingredients, and 5 minutes required! Print SAVE SAVED
from 1 vote Prep Time 5 minutes Total Time 5 minutes Servings 8 (1-Tbsp servings)Course Spice BlendCuisine Gluten-Free, Indian-Inspired, VeganFreezer Friendly NoDoes it keep? 3-6 Months
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Ingredients
US Customary – Metric3 Tbsp ground cumin2 Tbsp sweet paprika1 ½ – 2 Tbsp granulated garlic (or sub half as much garlic powder)1 Tbsp ground ginger2 tsp ground coriander2 tsp ground cardamom
Instructions
Add all spices to a small jar and shake or stir to combine. Will keep at room temperature for several months.This spice blend is ideal for seasoning things like chickpeas, tofu, roasted vegetables, and more!
Video
Notes
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate.
Nutrition (1 of 8 servings)
Serving: 1 tablespoon Calories: 22 Carbohydrates: 3.8 g Protein: 1 g Fat: 0.9 g Saturated Fat: 0.1 g Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2 g Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4 g Trans Fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 6 mg Potassium: 112 mg Fiber: 1.3 g Sugar: 0.3 g Vitamin A: 866 IU Vitamin C: 0.4 mg Calcium: 31 mg Iron: 2.1 mg