Saoji Masala

Saoji / Savji Masala

Saoji or Savji masala is a famous masala mix of Maharastra. It is an important part of Vidarbha Cuisine, which can be found in Nagpur area. it is also known as Varhadi cuisine. This cuisine is famous for its spiciness. In this cuisine coconut use is less but dry coconut is used in lots. 

I wanted to try all the famous chicken recipes from every region of India. In this process I got to know about saoji chicken. Then I read about it and got to know that, a special masala mix needed for this. I did my research and got a recipe. I made a bit changes in the recipe as per my taste buds. I have used less spicy kashmiri red chili in this spice mix but in original recipe says for to go for very hot chillies. Here is the recipe..

Chana Dal- 1 tbsp

Rice- 1 tbsp

Star Anise- 1

Cinnamon- 2 inch

Kashmiri Mirch- 7 to 8

Poppy Seeds- 1 tsp

Stone Flower (Dagad Phool)- 1 tbsp

Bay Leaves- 3 to 4

Khopra(Dry Coconut)-1/2 cup

Nutmeg-1

Sesame Seesds- 1 tsp

Cumin- 1 tbsp

Saha zeera(Blavk Cumin)- 1 tsp

Coriander Seeds-2 tbsp

Black Cardamom- 2

Green Cardamon- 4

Black Pepper-1 tsp

Clove- 4 to 5

Heat  a pan add chana dal and rice and dry roast. Then add coriander, cumin, red chili and bay leaves and fry. 

Now add black cardamom, green cardamom, clove, cinnamon, star anise, nutmeg and black pepper an fry.

Now time for poppy seeds, sesame seeds, stone flower, dry ccocnut and fry. 

These should be roasted up to a nice aroma comes from the spices. Then allow to cool down. Then grind to a powder. Saoji Masala is ready.

The purpose of adding different spices st different stage is to save the spices from burning. Spices with more frying time will be added first, then others according to their frying timings.