Kalonji Masala: A Flavorful Indian Spice Blend for Stuffed Vegetables
30 minutes
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About Kalonji Masala: A Flavorful Indian Spice Blend for Stuffed Vegetables
Kalonji Masala is a vibrant, aromatic spice blend originating from the western region of Uttar Pradesh, India. Traditionally used to stuff vegetables, this versatile masala adds depth and complexity to a wide array of dishes.This recipe provides a detailed guide to creating your own Kalonji Masala, from dry-roasting the spices to achieving the perfect balance of flavors. Learn how to use this blend to elevate your favorite stuffed vegetables, including okra, bitter gourd, and eggplant.Whether you're a seasoned cook or a culinary novice, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers an authentic taste of India. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this incredibly flavorful spice mixture!
Recipe Time & More
Prep15 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Total30 minutes
Ingredients
Spices for Kalonji Masala
- 50 gm Fennel Seeds also known as sauf
- 25 gm Fenugreek Seeds also known as methi. use seeds, not leaves.
- 25 gm Mustard Seeds also known as sarson, black
- 25 gm Nigella Seeds also known as kalonji
- 25 gm Cumin Seeds also known as jeera
- 15 gm Mango Powder also known as amchoor; add to taste, dry
Additional Ingredients (for using the Masala)
- 1 Onion finely chopped, large
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 thumb-sized piece Ginger minced
- 2 tbsp Mustard Oil or other cooking oil
- 1-2 tsp Chili Powder adjust to your spice preference, red
- Salt to taste
- Your choice Vegetables bitter gourd (karela), eggplant (baingan), etc., okra (bhindi), pointed gourd (parwal), potato (aloo)
Instructions
Making the Kalonji Masala
- Dry roast each spice separately in a pan over medium heat until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
- Once cooled, grind all the roasted spices together into a fine powder using a spice grinder or blender.
- Add the dry mango powder and mix well. Store in an airtight container.
Preparing the Vegetable Filling
- Make a paste of the onion, garlic, and ginger with a little water.
- In a bowl, combine the Kalonji Masala, red chili powder, salt, and mustard oil with the onion-ginger-garlic paste.
- Mix thoroughly and set aside for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the spices to absorb moisture.
Stuffing the Vegetables
- Stuff the spice mixture into your chosen vegetables. Prepare vegetables according to your preference.
- Cook the stuffed vegetables by your preferred method (e.g., frying, baking, or steaming).
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Best Kalonji Masala
- For a deeper, richer flavor, toast the spices in ghee (clarified butter) instead of oil.
- Adjust the amount of dry mango powder (amchoor) to control the tartness. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
- If using fresh fenugreek leaves, add them to the spice mixture after grinding the roasted spices, so that they retain their fresh flavour.
- Experiment with other vegetables! This masala works well with bell peppers, tomatoes, and even paneer (Indian cheese).
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 119kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 6gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 27mgPotassium: 418mgFiber: 8gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 102IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 235mgIron: 9mg
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Such a tempting dish! Thank you.
This looks so appealing! Thanks for sharing.
Great recipe! I’m eager to try it.