Amchur
Amchur (or amchoor) powder is an Indian spice derived from sun-dried unripe green mangoes. The tart, tangy powder adds a touch of brightness to a dish, the same way you might use a spritz of lemon or lime.
A staple in North Indian, Bengali, and other South Asian cuisines, amchur has a citrusy, subtly sweet flavor that pairs sublimely with anything savory. Undoubtedly, this is why it’s a key ingredient in chaat masala, a spice mix used to season various Indian snacks known as chaat.
Think of amchur as a daub of bright paint on a blank canvas — you can use it to bring a tangy touch to any number of simple snacks, including popcorn, nuts, and raw veggies. Is that hummus a bit boring? Sprinkle in some amchur. Use a pinch to liven up fruit salads, soups, stews, and curries. Beyond the layer of flavor it adds, amchur has a practical use in marinades: Its enzymes and acidity are great for softening up tough cuts of meat.
This was excerpted from “8 Herbs and Spices to Cook With More” which was published in the November 2022 issue of Experience Life.
Comments (0)