Ever have those days where the thought of grinding masalas, hunting for different spices, or just deciding what to cook feels a lot? We've all been there. Between work, family, and the general chaos of life, whipping up delicious meals daily can feel like a task. But what if we told you there's a smarter way? A way to channel your grandma's wisdom with modern convenience? It’s called a premix. Think of them as your personal flavour squad, prepped and primed for action.

Instant Upma/Poha Mix

What’s Inside: Fine rava (semolina) or beaten rice flakes (poha) or a mix, roasted chana dal (dalia), roasted peanuts (coarsely crushed), mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves (dried and crushed), turmeric, salt, sugar (optional).

Prep: Dry roast rava/poha separately until light golden and nutty. Roast chana dal, peanuts. Combine everything. Store airtight. Note: Add salt just before cooking.

Effortless Outcome: Add water, bring to boil, stir in 1 cup mix. Cover and cook for 5 mins. Fluff and serve! Breakfast sorted in under 10 minutes.

Instant Coconut Chutney Powder

What's Inside: Dried grated coconut (kopra powder), roasted chana dal (dalia), ginger powder, dried curry leaves (crushed), asafoetida (hing), red chili powder.

Prep: Combine all ingredients. Store in an airtight jar (pantry or fridge for longer freshness).

Effortless Outcome: Blend 2-3 tbsp powder + water (start with little) + fresh coriander (if available) + salt until smooth. Add a quick tadka of mustard seeds, curry leaves and dried whole red chilli. Serve with idli, dosa or vada. Fresh-tasting chutney without grinding fresh coconut!

Everyday Sabzi Boost Dry Spice Mix

What's Inside: Coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, dried mango powder (amchur), mild red chili powder (like Kashmiri), dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi - lightly crushed).
Prep: Simply combine all dried, powdered ingredients in a bowl. Mix very well. Store in an airtight jar.

Effortless Outcome: Heat oil for any vegetable stir-fry (aloo, beans, okra, mix veg). Add chopped veggies stuffed with the dry spice mix and sauté 2 mins. Instant, balanced flavour for daily veggies

Sweet and savoury pongal mix

What's Inside: Roasted moong dal powder, roasted rice rava or coarse rice powder, powdered jaggery, powdered cardamom, dried ginger powder, cashew pieces, raisins, ghee (solidified, mixed in or added later).

Prep: Cook & dry moong dal, grind to powder. Roast rava/rice powder. Powder jaggery & cardamom. Mix all dry ingredients. Store: Airtight jar (2 months). Add ghee during cooking.

Effortless Outcome: Boil water/milk. Add mix. Stir constantly until thick and creamy (like halwa/pongal consistency). Instant comfort breakfast or dessert is ready.

Chicken 65 Dry Fry Spice Blend

What's Inside: Cornflour, rice flour, Kashmiri chili powder, ginger-garlic powder, black pepper powder, garam masala powder, dried curry leaf powder, citric acid (or amchur) for tang, salt.

Prep: Mix all dry ingredients thoroughly. Store: Airtight jar (3 months).

Effortless Outcome: Marinate Godrej Real Good chicken pieces in the mixfor 15 mins. Deep fry or air fry until crispy. Fiery, tangy appetizer ready in record time.

Which premix are you most excited to try? Share it below.