A guide to 10 must-have spice mixes for your Pakistani Kitchen

A good spice mix can make all the difference in your cooking. With the right blend of spices, you can turn a ho-hum meal into a culinary masterpiece. Spice mixes are convenient, easy to use, and make cooking a breeze. Plus, they add a delicious boost of flavor that will make your food taste amazing. With just a quick stir, you’ll be able to transform your food from bland to delicious!

10 Must-have Masalas for your Kitchen

Spice mixes are a necessary part of cooking, to make your own can be costly and time consuming to prepare. Store-bought seasonings are a convenient alternative and with a wide range of varieties, there is one of every dish out there.

So don’t forget to grab our editorial pick spice mixes in your next grocery shopping;

Biryani Masala

Biryani is a dish that is loved by all. It is not just a food, but a feeling. No matter what mood you are in, biryani can always make you feel happy and satisfied. To make biryani at home, try following premixed spice blends;

• Shan Biryani Masala
• National Biryani Masala
• Jazaa Biryani Masala
• Malka Biryani Masala
• Mehran Biryani Masala

Qorma Masala

Qorma is a traditional Pakistani curry made of meat. It is usually served with naan or roti. Qorma is a very hearty dish and it is sure to satisfy your hunger. Try following brands to make qorma at home;

• Shan Qorma Masala
• National Qorma Masala
• Jazaa Qorma Masala
• Malka Qorma Masala
• Mehran Qorma Masala

Karhai Masala

The word “karhai” comes from the Urdu word “karahi”, which means “a pot”. Karhai – a popular Pakistani dish is made of meat cooked in a thick, spicy gravy, and is usually cooked in a karahi, or a large, round pot. Finding a consistent karhai taste at home can be challenging, try spice blends from one of these spice mixes;

• Shan Karahi Masala
• National Karahi Masala
• Malka Karahi Masala
• Mehran Karahi Masala
• Jazaa Karahi Masala

Nihari Masala

Nihari is a slow-cooked beef dish that is cooked in a spiced gravy for several hours, resulting in a rich and flavourful dish. Making nihari at home can be tricky, here’s premade spice mixes to cook nihari at home;

• Shan Nihari Masala
• National Nihari Masala
• Malka Nihari Masala
• Jazaa Nihari Masala
• Mehran Nihari Masala

Tikka Masala

Tikka is a delicious, spicy, smokey dish that can be made with chicken, lamb, or beef. The key ingredients are the tikka masala and finding the right one is a task itself. Try following brands to experience the tastiest, juiciest tikkas out there;

• Shan tikka masala
• National tikka masala
• Malka tikka masala
• Mehran tikka masala
• Jazaa tikka masala

Haleem Masala

Haleem is a delicious and hearty dish that originates from the Middle East. It is made of slow-cooked meat or poultry, bulgur wheat, and spices. The end result is a thick, stew-like meal that is a perfect light and nutritious meal for any day. Following brands provide easy and quick haleem mixes;

• Shan easy cook haleem masala
• National quick cook haleem masala
• Mehran haleem masala

Fish Fry Masala

Fried fish is a delicious and healthy dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. This dish is made by frying fresh fish in oil, and it can be served with various seasonings and dipping sauces. Fried fish is a popular dish in many countries, and it is often eaten as a main course or appetizer. Fried fish masalas available in local grocery stores;

• Shan fish masala
• National fish masala
• Malka fish masala
• Mehran fish masala

Achar Gosht Masala

Achar gosht is a popular dish in Pakistan. The dish is made with beef and is heavily spiced with a variety of spices. The dish is popular because it is flavorful and hearty. To make scrumptious achar gosht at home, use following spice blends;

• Shan achar gosht masala
• National achar gosht masala
• Mehran achar gosht masala

Paya Masala

The tantalizing taste of paya masala is a perfect dish to add to any dawat. The simmering stew of goat’s trotters and spices is a hearty dish that will fill you up and warm your soul. The spicy aroma will awaken your taste buds, and the creamy, tender meat will leave you wanting more. The brands providing paya spice mix to make cooking at home easy;

• Shan paya masala
• Mehran paya masala
• National paya masala
• Milan paya masala

Chaat Masala

If you’re looking for a bit of a spicy kick in your snacks, chaat masala is the perfect spice blend for you. The mix typically contains cumin, coriander, chili powder, and chat masala. This spice mix is incredibly flavorful and can be used on a variety of dishes. Try following brands to flavor up your everyday snacks;

• Shan chaat masala
• National chaat masala
• Mehran chaat masala

Create your Own Spice Mixes

There are multiple possibilities when it comes to creating your own spice mixes. The spice mix is tailored as simple or as complex as you want it to be, giving you the edge to treat it according to your taste buds and preferences. Though, adding the personal touch to spice mixes can be tricky and time taking. If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of recipes available online or in cookbooks. Once you’ve found a few that appeal to you, experiment with different proportions until you find a mix that you’re really happy with. Then, all that’s left to do is enjoy the results!

All about Spice Mixes

When it comes to cooking, there are a lot of advantages to using spice mixes. For one thing, it can be tiresome to measure out each individual ingredient while cooking a recipe. This is especially helpful if you are short on time or just do not feel like dealing with a lot of separate components. 

Additionally, a good spice mix will usually contain all of the necessary spices and flavors, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting anything or creating havoc in your kitchen. Store-bought spice mixes can also be a great value, since they often last longer than the equivalent amount of individual spices. So, next time you’re in the kitchen, consider reaching for a spice mix instead of going through all the hassle of measuring and mixing everything yourself. You’ll thank us later!

Precautions and Storage Tips

To make the most out of your dear spice mixes, storing them right is important. To store seasoning mixes just be sure to keep them in an airtight container (if seal opened) in a cool, dark place. This will help keep them fresh for months.

But also remember that seasoning mixes have a limited shelf-life. Most will stay fresh for around six months, but it’s a good idea to check the expiration date before using them to avoid any health problems.

Do not forget to always read the label carefully to make sure you’re not allergic to any of the ingredients. Avoid using too much seasoning mix at one time, since this can result in an unpleasant taste. Be careful to not touch your eyes before properly washing your hands and keep out of reach of kids.

Your Own Mini Genie

Spice mixes offer many advantages over using individual spices. They are easy to use, requiring no measuring or tedious mixing. In addition, they provide a consistent flavor that can be difficult to achieve with whole spices. While home-made spice mixes can be expensive and painstaking, the ease of locally available spice mixes makes it easier to cook delicious food at home, without spending hours in the kitchen.