Difference Between Chaat Masala and Garam Masala

What do you know about Masala? Masala is a word used in Hindi for a spice mix. There are different types of masala, including garam masala and chaat masala. These are both spice mixtures. If you are reading this, you are probably wondering about the chaat masala vs. garam masala difference.

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So, is chaat masala the same as garam masala? The short answer is that they are not the same. Even though these are both spice mixtures, there are some important differences you should be aware of.

In this post, we will discuss all the crucial differences between chaat masala and garam masala. Let’s dive right in.

The Difference between Chaat Masala and Garam Masala

Garam masala
Garam masala
Chaat masala
Chaat masala

Even though both chaat masala and garam masala are spices, they have some notable differences. These two are made using spices that give them different smells and flavors. Here is a deeper look at the chaat masala vs. garam masala comparison.

The Ingredients

One of the main differences between these two is the ingredients. Black salt is a major ingredient in chaat masala. It is the reason why chaat masala has a sulfurous taste and smell. Even though it is essential in chaat masala, it is not used for garam masala.

The Flavor

Another thing you will notice is that chaat masala features a certain tartness. That is the result of the dry mango powder (amchur) that is in it. You will also notice other flavors such as coriander, cumin, as well as asafetida.

Garam masala, on the other hand, does not feature asafetida or amchur in its ingredients. These are replaced with spices with high aroma levels. These include cinnamon, cloves, as well as green and black cardamom. These allow it to have a stronger flavor you will not get from chaat masala.

Addition to Food

With chaat masala, you simply need to add a bit to the cooked food. That is how it can improve the flavor and taste of the food.

Garam masala, on the other hand, should be added to the food while you cook it. That way, it can release the flavor inside the food being cooked.

Substitution

garam masala instead of chaat masala

So, can I garam masala instead of chaat masala? Some people might propose that garam masala would be a good substitute for chaat masala. However, it does not have the same tanginess found in chaat masala. If you need a substitute for chaat masala, simply use some black salt combined with mango powder.  We also recommend that you add some pepper powder or chili powder to increase the heat levels.

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Conclusion

People are constantly confused by these two. Some even use one in place of the other. However, after reading this post, you can see just how different these two are. We hope that you now understand the main difference between chaat masala and garam masala.

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Feel free to share your observations with me in the comments section!

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