Buying a masala mix: read the recipe panel first

Separate the mix from the complete meal

A biryani masala, a ready-cooked biryani and a meal kit are different products. Manufacturer ranges can include all of them. The front photograph shows an intended dish, so check the product description and ingredients to establish what is actually in the packet.

Read the back-panel recipe before adding other groceries. Write down the required main ingredient, rice or bread, vegetables, oil, yoghurt and any additional spices. Some blends already contain salt; adding your usual amount without checking can change the result.

Scale from the stated recipe

Look for the amount of meat, vegetables or rice that the packet is intended to season. The entire packet is not automatically one household serving. A small gram weight can still season a substantial recipe.

If you are making a smaller batch, follow any manufacturer scaling guidance. Where none is supplied, do not promise that a spoon count gives a precisely balanced fraction of a mixed packet. Start with a recipe and quantity you can follow confidently, especially when several ingredients and stages are involved.

Compare before substituting

• Match the named dish: biryani, curry, tikka and chaat blends have different intended uses.
• Read heat, salt and allergen information on the particular pack.
• Check whether the recipe needs marinating or another advance step.
• Keep the packet while cooking so instructions are not lost after decanting.

A spice mix does not establish that the finished dish is halal, vegetarian or suitable for an allergy: the mix, added ingredients and preparation all matter. Browse masala mixes or biryani masala, then use biryani basics for the wider cooking method rather than assuming the picture is a complete shopping list.

Sources and label checks

• Shan Foods: recipe mix categories