“I love the rain. I want the feeling of it on my face.” -Katherine Mansfield
Simple food is often the best food. This Bhutta Masala | Indian Spiced Corn + Spice Mix is one of those recipes, it’s quick, simple and requires minimal ingredients. Hot grilled bhutta (corn) rubbed with fresh limes, masalas and salt is a Monsoon favorite in India. Bhuttawala’s (grilled corn vendors) stay busy roasting the corn on their little wooden carts as customers line up to slather their desired amount of masala and nimboo (indian lemons) on the charred treat.
The sweet charred corn in combination with the tart & spicy masala’s makes my mouth water. It’s also one of the healthier street foods available. Each vendor has their “special” masala blend and roasting technique to get the most flavor in each and every little corn kernel. It’s a rainy season delight and often associated with the warmer months of India.
While growing up we would visit India during our summer holidays. My Nanaji (maternal grandfather) and Mama (maternal uncle) would take us to Bombay’s Mumbai’s Juhu Beach for horse rides, gaane ka juice (sugar cane juice) and masala bhutta. The bhuttawalas would be grilling their sweetest corn over coals until the sweet kernels were nicely blackened and then they would rub them with lime juice and a mixture of spices and salt. During the summer months I love making a big batch of bhutta masala so it’s always ready when we decide to grill corn.
- Spice Mix:
- 4 tablespoon chaat masala
- 2 tablespoon red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
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- Bhutta Masala:
- 4 ears sweet corn
- 1 lime, cut into small wedges
- 2 teaspoon bhutta spice mix
- Mix chaat masala, red chili powder, paprika and salt. Store in an airtight container.
- When you are ready to use the spice mix, grill the corn over a medium flame (for about 5-7 minutes), rotating until all sides are well charred.
- Dip a wedge of lime in the spice mixture and rub the lime and spice mixture against the corn while applying enough pressure to squeeze out the lime juice. Repeat several times, in order to thoroughly coat all sides of corn. Enjoy Hot.
These some of my all-time favorite! I love these pictures as well.
I have so many memories of nibbling on these during hot summer days of my childhood in India. Love this simple yet most delicious treat.
hi,
Can we grill corn in oven??
You can but you won’t get that charred taste. Another option is to cook it on gas top
Oh my goodness….looks delish 🙂 This is definitely a must try recipe!
Love corn, that too with Indian masala, YUM!.. it would be a lovely side with BBQ or Tandoori chicken. Awesome pictures!
your photos are absolutely gorgeous. this recipe takes me back to my childhood. looks wonderful.
I love corn. Can you tell me how you grill your corn in outdoor grill? Thanks
Grilling inside can be challenging, I sometimes par boil them and then finish them on my gas stove, holding and turning them.