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A simple and easy to make garnish; Jiralu powder adds a perfect zing when sprinkled over yogurt or potato dishes. Use it to jazz up your french fries!
This blend of powdered masalas (spices) is hugely popular in Gujarat, India. I remember mealtimes at my grandparents house in Mumbai; there was always a small silver ‘katori’ (bowl) of jiralu on the table, with the tiniest spoon. It was the right size to sprinkle just a pinch, as the mixture is quite strong.
Most Gujarati homes used to make their own, but now it is easily available in stores in India. I prefer to make my own as it’s easy enough and that way I am in control of the ingredients.
Salty and tangy, jiralu delivers a wonderful mix of flavours to yogurt dishes, such as raita, rotis, Khakhras (crispy flatbread), salads or potatoes such as this Aloo mattar . In fact, go ahead and sprinkle some over french fries for a savoury, spicy kick!
To prepare, simply dry roast cumin seeds on a medium heat till fragrant and then grind to a powder. Add to the other ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. This recipe makes a small quantity but you will only need a small amount at a time as the flavour is fairly intense.
Store in an airtight container, in a cool place, this will keep for several months.
You may like these other Gujarati recipes:
Jiralu masala
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons roasted ground cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon black salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red chilli powder
- 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida
- 1/4 teaspoon dried mango powder
Instructions
- Dry roast the cumin seeds till fragrant and grind to a powder. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. Sprinkle sparingly as a garnish.
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I’ve never made my own masala powder before, but I should definitely try next time I need some! Looks too easy 🙂
This is so easy, and a little goes a really long way!
Nice to see someone else using asafoetida, an “Indian” spice that is often overlooked by Western Indian influenced food but one that is so important. This sounds wonderful!
Thank you Brian, its that little secret ingredient which hasn’t been ‘discovered’ yet 😉
Wow, this powder sounds amazing, I never tried or heard this before but reading the comments it’s delicious. I hope I will this one soon.
Yes, its a great mix to have on hand for an entirely new dimension to a dish.
Wow, bit interesting this spice bled is !
Thank you Sasmita
I love Jeeralu in my Buttermilk/Chhas and fruit dish. Looks tempting.
Thanks Dhwani
This spice blend sounds interesting. Never tried these before! Love to try soon.
Let me know how you like it Uma
Awesome mix of spices..sure to give zing to the dish..
Sure does Lathiya
One of my childhood friends used to bring this masala to school every day and we used lick with our fingers 🙂
ha ha it is finger-lickin’ good!
Wow I can imagine how this spice blend can bring a zing to any dish. Thanks for sharing
thanks Trupti
Such a flavor packed spice blend! Thanks for sharing your recipe with us 🙂
Hope you like it Freda
Awesome!! Normally I add only roasted jeera powder but this mix sounds and I am sure tastes amazing on any dish!! Will try and make this..thanks for sharing 🙂
Do try and let me know what you think Vanitha