Re: Using Packet Masala’s ? why?
I agree, mixing this stuff can create a unique taste .. My most favourite one is korma masala .. a tablespoon full of it in any salan can suddenly give it that X Factor 
Re: Using Packet Masala's ? why?
I always used Shan, but lately national masala, just because they have two packets in one box. They are pre mixed and with recipes. I also saw a lot of them in my local restaurant kitchen. My local Restaurant (here in Maryland, USA) use Hispanics to cook desi food and use shan maslas.
The stigma with Shan masalas is that the users have to rely on them because they don't have good cooking skills. According to my elder relatives the same stigma was with packaged powdered spices many years ago because that carried the stigma that you can't or won't use mortar to make your own.
Making your own mix though allows you to have the flavor you want, or what you are used to.
I use all three approaches, using premixed spice packets, mixing my own using individual spices, and sometimes going all out and working with fresh ingredients where possible. Garlic, saffron, coriander, unlike, etc etc. I have to say while time consuming the last approach yields the best results.
Re: Using Packet Masala's ? why?
I solely rely on them, but use little at a time. I dnt like cooking anyways, as long as its edible.
Re: Using Packet Masala's ? why?
i also use little amount of packet masala in qorma or curry
i use achar gosht masala in qeema n also in baingan ki sabzi
when i make chicken curry i marinate chicken in tandoori masala or chicken tikka masala
i have both shan n national masalas but i prefer national because it gives good flavour n color
Re: Using Packet Masala’s ? why?
I grind my own dhaniya, zeera, haldi
Ømake my own garam masala.
If someone were to come and say to me that their food tastes the same as mine…i would seriously doubt their taste buds. (them using bpxed masala and me using home made. )
Thereis nothing wrong with packaged maslas,..i use them too… But sometimes they have ingrediants added that i would never put in a dish if i were making it from scratch.
Also…measurement of diff spices can vary if u were to use your own spices than the packet.
And the technique is so wrong for a few things. Like using a hand blender when making haleem or palak paneer!!! Ghaas kha li hai. 
Re: Using Packet Masala's ? why?
It is just the way of looking at the things, especially the same holier than thou attitude. People would say that mostly to pick at and discourage. I think i am better off with using packets because they are helpful and quicker.
Re: Using Packet Masala's ? why?
I feel that boxed masaals add unwanted tartness in food, I don't have any strong opinions about it but this is my way of telling a difference between packet and home made masaalas. Do you guys also notice this?
Re: Using Packet Masala's ? why?
I feel that boxed masaals add unwanted tartness in food, I don't have any strong opinions about it but this is my way of telling a difference between packet and home made masaalas. Do you guys also notice this?
Boxed masalas are very strong and spicy for my taste.. I prefer using my own but there is no denying the convenience factor in time of need.
Re: Using Packet Masala's ? why?
i use them every single time especially the karahi/fry gosht masala i only add about 1/2-1table spoon to enhance the flavor along with my own spices.
Re: Using Packet Masala's ? why?
I feel that boxed masaals add unwanted tartness in food, I don't have any strong opinions about it but this is my way of telling a difference between packet and home made masaalas. Do you guys also notice this?
yes! i could not find the word to describe the difference but 'tart' is about right. our home cooking is just not like that at all... and that's what i'm used to, so i don't like the taste of food solely cooked with boxed masalas.
Re: Using Packet Masala's ? why?
yes! i could not find the word to describe the difference but 'tart' is about right. our home cooking is just not like that at all... and that's what i'm used to, so i don't like the taste of food solely cooked with boxed masalas.
Yeh I have no real issues with shan masala's except there is this 'tez' flavour in shan masala's which i sometimes find strong even if you put part of the packet in. I've never quite figured out what it is though.