A few years back, I got this for 2nd Man's birthday. We had seen similar containers on cooking shows and food documentaries and I decided he needed one for his own culinary adventures. When using it the other day and then refilling it, I realized I never put up a post about it.
They are officially called "Masala Dabba". An Indian "spice box". They come in ceramic and wood but as those can have a tendency to absorb aromas so the more common ones are stainless steel. There are many styles, square, round, boxes inside or bowls, etc.
I searched high and low and finally found this one. I loved the design and style with the pattern on top, it was pretty enough to leave out on the counter.
Here are some different varieties, there are some really pretty ones out there for sure:
The design on top is unique and distinctive. It's glass with this pattern printed on it. This outer lid is tight to provide an airtight seal.
When you remove that, there is another inner lid with a knob handle that sits on top of the containers and because it's flush with the tops, it helps keep the aromas in each and the spices fresh.
Then you have access to your wonderful spices.
Not too long ago, you may remember that we went to Penzey's spice store and that's when we restocked the ones we were running low on.
I printed labels to put on each one. While some might be identifiable by aroma and/or color, we like having labels so we know for sure. From what we've read, each family's box is often unique to them with the special ingredients they use for their signature dishes. There is certainly no reason you couldn't put any seasoning in one if you were so inclined.
Our box contains:
Coriander
Balti
Tandoori
Sate
Curry
Cardamon
Vindaloo
One thing for sure, it's gorgeous when filled!
I have never heard of some of those spices. You need to share some of the recipes where 2nd Man uses these.
ReplyDeleteHe so often just tosses in a pinch of this and a pinch of that in jus about anything to change it up, ha. I'll have to make sure to get something with them.
DeleteI LOVE spices and have been searching for the perfect one of these for years. I first saw one in the movie The Hundred Foot Journey. I have a number of friends from India and yes, I'm told each family has their own special spice blends. Thank you for the reminder to find one I love ASAP.
ReplyDeleteOMG, Hundred Foot Journey is one of our faves too. The link above to Amazon had some different ones on their page. Such a nice thing to have we really love ours. And one of our favorite lines from the movie, "just SPOOOOON it in!"
DeleteI can just imagine how wonderful that smells when you remove the lid!
ReplyDeleteYes! I love the aroma and it's so cool that while you think it might come out while in the cabinet, the inner lid and tight fitting outer lid don't let aromas out. So it's nice when you open it, smells good.
DeleteA British woman, whose YouTube channel I watch, has two of these. One contains spices for Indian recipes and one contains spices and dried herbs for European recipes. Ver efficient.
ReplyDeleteOooh, we'll have to look for that. Great ideas, we've been tossing around a similar idea. Thanks!!
DeleteI have never seen or heard of these. I learned something today.
ReplyDeleteHa, well that's a good thing. Same here, I think we learn something new most every day just by surfing around. You never know what might pop up.
DeleteThat is a beautiful spice box and the spices from Penzys is worthy of such a container! The spices probably cost way more then the box did! Penzys is a pricey place to shop!
ReplyDeleteThank you, we do love Penny's and yep, a bit pricey but so worth it quality wise. We go about once a year, sometimes twice. Ha, maybe, I think the box was maybe $25ish, at the time, and spices would add up to a bit more than that, ha.
DeleteI have a Masala Dabba from a World Market, and love it!
ReplyDeleteI'd almost forgotten the spice tin, as it's in storage, and I'm tucked in at my daughter's, whilst my Granny Flat is being constructed in their backyard! Mine doesn't have the inner lid, but still keeps the spices fresh.
I love the little spice spoon (I love little spoons on general) and can picture the container on my new concrete countertop!
I usually have whole coriander, curry, garam Masalla, ginger, turmeric and a chili powder.
Oh awesome! We forgot to mention the little spoons, we love those, though 2nd Man is a fan of a "pinch of this and a pinch of that" ha. And concrete countertops, if we build new we are consider those. Cost effective and look cool.
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