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Spices & seasonings · Spice blends

Vindaloo masala

Hot Goan spice blend of dried chillies, cumin, pepper and cloves, mixed with vinegar for vindaloo.

Also called: vindaloo paste powder

A kind of spices

What it is

Vindaloo masala is a Goan blend of dried red chillies, cumin, black pepper, cloves, cinnamon and sometimes turmeric, traditionally ground with vinegar and garlic into a paste. The vinegar gives vindaloo its sour edge; the dish descends from the Portuguese carne de vinha d'alhos.

How it’s used

  • Pork or chicken vindaloo
  • Goan sorpotel
  • Spicy marinades with vinegar

Characteristics

Taste
Hot, sour (with vinegar), warmly spiced.
Sold as
ground
Cooking uses
Mainly a seasoning
Common in
Goan, Indian

Storage

Cool, dry and dark. Airtight jar away from light; ground paste with vinegar keeps in the fridge.

Diet, allergens and safety

No major allergens in typical versions.

  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Dairy-free
  • Egg-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Nut-free
  • Soy-free
  • Caffeine-free

Nutrition per 100 g

Energy
325 kcal
Protein
14.29 g
Carbohydrate
55.83 g
Fat
14.01 g
Fibre
53.2 g
Sugars
2.76 g

USDA FoodData Central: Spices, curry powder (a close stand-in).

Substitutes

Optional — what works if you don’t have it, and how it changes the dish.

Related ingredients

Recipes with vindaloo masala

No recipe in the catalogue uses it yet.

More spice blends