Chaat is a category of popular South Asian street snacks, and chaat masala is the spice that makes these beloved bites unique. According to chef Maneet Chauhan, who has published a chaat-centric cookbook fittingly titled "Chaat," explains that this spice mix's strong flavor is intentionally overpowering, but not unwelcomingly so.

Spice retailer McCormick's version of chaat masala is a combination of cumin, coriander, fennel, dried mint, thyme, ginger, cayenne pepper, black salt, and amchur, a dried mango powder with a distinct fruity, sour taste. It's not a bad idea to keep a jar of chaat masala in your spice rack permanently for adding a blast of flavor to dishes.

Chaat masala is a key ingredient in Indian dishes like pani puri (deep-fried flatbread) and papri chaat (potato, chickpea, and chutney). You can also sprinkle chaat masala over roasted potatoes, fried vegetables, or on fresh mango, use it to season the rim of a Bloody Mary glass, or mix it into Chex Mix or popcorn for a tasty, funky snack.