|February 17, 2023

Indian Masalas for Seafood, Poultry

What do we cover?

  • What are Indian Masalas for Seafood, Poultry & Meat?

  • What are the ingredients in Indian Masalas for Seafood, Poultry & Meat?
  • Where do Indian Masalas for Seafood, Poultry & Meat come from?
  • How are ALCO Masalas processed?
  • What do Indian Masalas for Seafood, Poultry & Meat taste like?
  • What dietary and health benefits do ALCO Masalas provide?
  • How to use ALCO Indian Masalas for Seafood, Poultry & Meat?
  • What makes ALCO Foods' masalas unique?

What are Indian Masalas for Seafood, Poultry & Meat?

India is commonly perceived as being a predominantly vegetarian country and has the most vegetarians of any country in the world. However, there is also a large number of Indians who enjoy eating seafood, poultry and meat. In fact, it is estimated that 71% of Indians are not 100% vegetarian and consume some form of meat, fish or poultry. The population of non vegetarians is most dense on the south and east side of India in states such as West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Assam. The population of vegetarians is most dense on the north and west side of India in states such as Gujarat and Rajasthan. Much of the vegetarian vs non vegetarian population is dependent on the availability of livestock in the area. Just like their masalas for vegetarian dishes, India also has a vast selection of masalas for meat, poultry and seafood dishes that add complex and unique flavors.

Chicken MasalaChicken Masala is a spice blend that can be used to prepare Indian chicken dishes and curries. 
Achari Chicken Masala: Achari Chicken Masala is an Indian pickling spice mix that is used to make achari chicken, which is a yogurt-based chicken dish.
Achari Gosht Masala: Achari Gosht Masala is an Indian pickling spice mix that is used to make achari gosht, which is a yogurt-based mutton or lamb dish.
Bihari Kabab Masala: Bihari Kabab Masala is a North Indian/Pakistani BBQ spice mix that is used to season beef kebabs.
Fish Curry Masala: Fish Curry Masala is a spice blend that can be used to prepare Fish Curry or Fried Fish.
Meat Masala: Meat Masala is a spice blend that can be used to prepare meat dishes and curries.

What are the ingredients in Indian Masalas for Seafood, Poultry & Meat?

Chicken Masala

  • CORIANDER, CUMIN, CLOVE, SALT, RED CHILI, BLACK PEPPER, BLACK CARDAMOM, DRIED GARLIC, BAY LEAF, CINNAMON, BENGAL GRAM, MACE, NUTMEG, CASSIA BARK, DRIED GINGER, FENUGREEK LEAF, DRIED MANGO, ASAFOETIDA

Achari Chicken Masala

  • MIXED SPICES, SALT, NIGELLA, FENUGREEK SEED, BLACK PEPPER, CLOVE, CORIANDER, DRIED MANGO, TURMERIC, MUSTARD, BLACK SALT, CITRIC ACID (E330)

Achari Gosht Masala

  • MIXED SPICES, SALT, NIGELLA, FENUGREEK SEED, BLACK PEPPER, CLOVE, CORIANDER, DRIED MANGO, TURMERIC, MUSTARD, CITRIC ACID (E330), BLACK SALT

Bihari Kabab Masala

  • RED CHILI, CORIANDER, SALT, CUMIN, KACHRI, DEHYDRATED GARLIC, CASSIA BARK, BLACK PEPPER, DRIED GINGER, BLACK CARDAMOM, TURMERIC, CASHEW (TREE NUT), MUSTARD, STAR ANISE, CASSIA LEAF, NUTMEG, CLOVE ASAFOETIDA

Fish Curry Masala

  • TAMARIND, CORIANDER, CUMIN, DEHYDRATED GARLIC, RED CHILI, DEHYDRATED ONION, SALT, TURMERIC, MIXED SPICE, DRIED GINGER, CURRY LEAF, MUSTARD

Meat Masala

  • CORIANDER, CUMIN, CHILI, BLACK PEPPER, TURMERIC, DRIED GARLIC, SALT, DRIED GINGER, CASSIA BARK, CLOVE, FENNEL SEED, BENGAL GRAM, MUSTARD, NUTMEG, FENUGREEK LEAF, GREEN CARDAMOM, CASSIA LEAF, BLACK CARDAMOM, STAR ANISE.

Where do Indian Masalas for Seafood, Poultry & Meat come from?

  • Chicken Masala:  Chicken Curry originated from North India.
  • Achari Chicken Masala:  Achari Chicken is a popular dish that originated from Mughlai cuisine in North India.
  • Achari Gosht Masala:  Achari Gosht is a popular dish that originated from Mughlai cuisine in North India.
  • Bihari Kabab Masala:  Bihari Kabab is a popular BBQ dish in Pakistani cuisine that originated from Bihar, India.
  • Fish Curry Masala:  Fish Curry originated from the state of Goa, which is located on the West coast of India.
  • Meat Masala:  Meat Curry originated from the region of Kashmir, which is located in the northeast region of India.

    How are ALCO Masalas processed?

    ALCO Masalas are manufactured by ALCO Foods in Raipur, India. Before ALCO could start manufacturing their own line of masalas, there was much research that went into creating the perfect blend of spices. The chemists at ALCO Foods were tasked with creating masalas that would allow anyone to recreate their favorite Indian dishes from anywhere in the world. After creating a full lineup of masalas, ALCO Foods then needed to find farmers to source their raw ingredients. It was very important to find farmers that they could trust to provide them with consistent and quality ingredients all year round. When the raw ingredients arrive at the warehouse, they are first sanitized. The raw ingredients then go through a cleaning machine, which removes any impurities. After the cleaning process, the raw ingredients are then inspected by hand before they are roasted. A machine is used to roast the spices, which greatly enhances the flavor and aroma. After roasting, the spices are then ready to be grinded down. A machine and sieves are then used to grind the spices down into a fine powder. The sieves are used to extract the non grounded parts from the fine powder. After the spices have been grinded down into a fine powder, they are then packaged and ready to be enjoyed.

    What do Indian Masalas for Seafood, Poultry & Meat taste like?

    • Chicken Masala: Chicken Masala has a combination of sweet and savory spices that will compliment any chicken curry.
    • Achari Chicken Masala: Achari Chicken Masala adds a spicy and tangy taste to chicken.
    • Achari Gosht Masala: Achari Gosht Masala adds a spicy and tangy taste to mutton or lamb.
    • Bihari Kebab Masala: Bihari Kebab Masala adds an excellent smoky flavor to BBQ meat.
    • Fish Curry Masala: Fish Curry Masala adds a hot, nutty and citrusy flavor to fish dishes and curries.
    • Meat Masala: Meat Masala's Chilli, Pepper and Coriander will give your favorite meat dishes a nice kick of heat and an excellent aroma.

    What dietary and health benefits do ALCO Masalas provide?

    Dietary Benefits of ALCO Masalas:

    • Gluten Free
    • NON-GMO
    • Paleo Friendly
    • KETO Friendly
    • Vegan
    • Vegetarian

    ALCO Masalas contain a vast amount of different spices, which have several potential health benefits. Some of the key ingredients that are contained in most of the ALCO Masalas are:

    Chili Powder

    Chili Powder contains the bioactive compound capsaicin, which has a variety of potential health benefits. When consumed regularly, chili powder is believed to numb your pain receptors over time and help reduce heartburn pain caused by acid reflux. Chili Powder paired with a healthy lifestyle may also aid in weight loss by increasing the rate your body burns fat. Chili Powder also contains many essential minerals and vitamins, which include:
    • Vitamin A
    • Vitamin C
    • Vitamin B6
    • Vitamin K1
    • Copper
    • Potassium

    Turmeric

    Turmeric has recently become a very popular supplement for its medicinal benefits. Turmeric contains a very powerful antioxidant called curcumin, which gives the turmeric its bright yellow color. Curcumin is not easily absorbed into your blood, but if you consume the curcumin with black pepper it will greatly increase the absorption into your bloodstream and help you reap its benefits. Turmeric has a wide range of potential health benefits which include:
    • Reducing Inflammation: Short term inflammation is needed to help our bodies heal themselves, but long term or chronic inflammation can lead to an increased risk of developing diseases. Curcumin does an excellent job of blocking inflammatory molecules, which lowers our risk of developing diseases such as cancer. Turmeric is also commonly used to help relieve pain caused by arthritis.
    • Fights Against Free Radicals: Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant that protects our cells against free radicals. Free radicals are chemically active molecules that enter our body when we are exposed to tobacco or certain processed foods. Free radicals and high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides are large contributors to cardiovascular disease.
    • Helps Fight Cancer: There have been studies that show turmeric can help reduce the spread of cancer by killing a large variety of different cancer cells. Turmeric has also been shown to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.
    • Protects us from Alzheimers: Curcumin has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and protect us from Alzheimer’s, depression and mood disorders. Turmeric helps reduce the inflammation and protein plaque build up in the brain. 

    Cumin

    • Aiding in Digestion: Medically, cumin has been most commonly used to aid with digestion. Cumin can increase the activity of digestive proteins and release bile from the liver, resulting in better digestion. Cumin may also help with IBS symptoms.
    • Rich in Iron: Iron is used to carry oxygen in the hemoglobin of red blood cells, which allows the cells to create energy. Iron deficiency can lead to fatigue, weakness, dizziness and headache.
    • Contains Antioxidants: Cumin contains a variety of compounds that function as antioxidants. Antioxidants are said to reduce cell damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can attack your cells when food is processed or if you are exposed to smoke or radiation. If the free radicals become too high, it can cause heart disease, diabetes, cancer and more.
    • Food Borne Illness Prevention: Cumin has antimicrobial properties, which can reduce your risk of contracting food borne illness. At one point, cumin was actually used for the purpose of increasing food safety.

    Coriander

    • Lowering Blood Pressure: Coriander is said to lower blood vessel tension by promoting the interaction of calcium ions and acetylcholine. Therefore, Coriander could lower your risk of heart attacks and strokes.
    • Skin Health: Coriander oil has actually been patented for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Coriander could help with a variety of skin conditions ranging from dryness, fungal infections and eczema. 
    • Aiding in Digestion: Coriander contains borneol and linalool, which help our liver and bowels function properly. Coriander also contains a variety of compounds that have antibacterial properties, which can help us treat diarrhea and food borne illness such as salmonella.
    • Reducing Cholesterol: Coriander can help reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol levels because it contains a variety of compounds that are good for your cholesterol health.
    • Bone Strength: Coriander is an excellent source of calcium, which is a very important mineral in bone growth and durability.

    Green Cardamom

    • Kills Bacteria and Fungi: The oil extracted from Cardamom seeds may be effective in killing bacteria and fungi. Studies have shown that the oil from the cardamom seeds kills bacteria and fungi by damaging their cell membrane.
    • Helps with Metabolic Syndrome: Cardamom can also aid those with metabolic syndrome, which leads to heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Metabolic syndrome includes health conditions such as obesity, high cholesterol and high blood sugar. A study was conducted on women with metabolic syndrome. The study found that those who consumed the green cardamom had lower levels of inflammatory proteins, C-reactive protein and other markers compared to the placebo group.
    • Contains Antioxidants: Antioxidants are said to reduce cell damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can attack your cells when food is processed or if you are exposed to smoke or radiation. If the free radicals become too high, it can cause heart disease, diabetes, cancer and more. 
    • Helps Maintain Oral Hygiene: Cardamom has been used for hundreds of years as a mouth freshener. It can also be used to lower your risk of cavities and gum disease by killing the bacteria in your mouth.

    How to use ALCO Indian Masalas for Seafood, Poultry & Meat?

    Chicken Masala
    • Heat oil in a pan
    • Caramelize the onions in the pan
    • Add chicken, yogurt and Chicken Masala
    • Cook on low heat for 30 min
    • Add julienne ginger and water to the pan
    • Stir and cook until the gravy thickens
    Achari Chicken Masala
    • Marinate chicken in garlic paste, ginger paste, Achari Chicken Masala and yogurt
    • Heat oil in a pan
    • Caramelize chopped onions in the pan
    • Add chopped tomato and cook until soft
    • Add the marinated chicken
    • Add 2 tsp Kashmiri Chili Powder
    • Add water and cook for 15 min or until the gravy thickens
    Achari Gosht Masala
    • Heat oil in a pan
    • Cook mutton or lamb with 1 Bay Leaf in the pan
    • Add ginger, garlic and Achari Gosht Masala
    • Add yogurt
    • Add onion
    • Cook for 20-25 min
    • Add 1 cup of water and cook for another 25 min
    • Add tomato puree and cook for 15-20 min or until the gravy thickens
    Bihari Kabab Masala
    • Marinate the beef kebabs in fried onions, garlic paste, ginger paste, oil or ghee, yogurt and the Bihari Kabab Masala
    • Marinate the beef kebabs for at least a few hours
    • Barbeque the marinated beef kebabs until tender
    Fish Curry Masala
    • Fish Curry Masala can be used for stews, fish curry, prawn, lobster, crab, shrimp and rice.
    Meat Masala
    • Add pieces of mutton or beef to a bowl with ground onions, ginger paste, garlic paste, yogurt and salt
    • Marinate the mutton or beef for at least 2 hours
    • Heat oil in a pan
    • Caramelize the chopped onions
    • Add marinated mutton or beef and Meat Masala to the pan
    • Add water
    • Stir and cook until the gravy thickens

    What makes ALCO Foods' masalas unique?

    PREMIUM QUALITY AND TASTE
    • We are very diligent in our efforts to procure the highest quality spices in the world. The aroma and bold flavors of our spices will make you fall in love with experimenting and trying new flavors in the kitchen.
    100% NATURAL
    • We do not add any artificial flavors, so all of the spices are 100% natural and ethically sourced directly from the Earth. We believe you should never have to use artificial flavors when the Earth provides so many great tasting natural flavors for us. There are also no added preservatives. We are committed to serving you food products that you can feel safe consuming. We believe that you should always know what you are eating, which is why we do not use any strange chemicals created in a lab to help extend the shelf life of our products.
    ETHICALLY SOURCED
    • We are committed to strengthening our community, which is why all of our spices are ethically sourced and purchased from farmers in India.

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    What spices are commonly used in many Indian dishes and meat preparations?

    There are nine prime spices that Indian dishes and meat preparations require. They are Cardamom, Clove, Cassia bark, Black pepper, Cumin, Coriander, Nutmeg, mace, and Mustard seeds.

    What can replace oregano and thyme in Indian Masalas for Seafood, Poultry, and Meat?

    Replace the oregano and thyme with turmeric, curry powder, ground ginger, and cardamom.

    Which Masala is best for chicken?

    We recommend you buy Alco Foods' Chicken Masala. It is a great-tasting, versatile Masala that you can use for any of your favorite chicken dishes.

    What spices pair well with chicken?

    Salt, Black Pepper, Basil, Chili Powder, Ginger, Garlic, Cumin, and Cinnamon.

    What can I add to chicken to make it taste like Achari Chicken?

    Try the Achari Chicken Masala from Alco Foods to make the chicken taste like Achar (pickle).