Avamasala: Crafting a Curry Mustard Hot Sauce

Let’s talk about one of my boldest flavors - Avamasala, a curry mustard hot sauce that brings together warm curry spices, sharp mustard tang, and balanced heat. This sauce took a lot of trial and error (and plenty of tasting sessions with my crew) to get just right. The result is something you don’t often see in hot sauce: a deeply spiced, tangy, medium-heat sauce that’s both adventurous and incredibly versatile.

Why Avamasala is Different

Most hot sauces lean on peppers, vinegar, and maybe a bit of fruit or garlic. Avamasala breaks the mold. It’s inspired by curry blends like madras and garam masala, then layered with mustard to add tang and bite. The result is bold, aromatic, and unlike anything else in the Harmacy lineup.

Building the Flavor: Spice First

Avamasala cook days are some of my favorites. Not only are the ingredients vibrant, but the way the kitchen smells while everything’s toasting and blooming is unforgettable.

We use whole spices, toasted and ground fresh. Think cumin, coriander, star anise, fenugreek, black cardamom, bay leaves, and more. There's also a unique twist in how we recycle dried clementine peel left over from our Cinco sauce batches.

It's definitely a bit of a balancing act with so many strong spices, and it took several test batches before we found the perfect harmony.

Once the blend is dialed in, it gets bloomed in coconut oil. This step unlocks the spices' full aroma and distributes the flavor evenly. Skipping that step would be faster, but it would mean leaving a ton of flavor on the table.

After blooming, the spices are cooked with:

Fresh chilis 🌶️

Garlic 🧄

Tomato puree 🍅

A mix of white & rice vinegar for tang and complexity

The result? A sauce that’s tangy, savory, medium-spicy, and layered with curry flavor that lingers.

Where Avamasala Shines

Avamasala is more versatile than you might think:

🥪 Sandwiches & Wraps – a bold spread with character.

🥦 Roasted Vegetables – adds heat and depth.

🌭 Sausages & Charcuterie – pairs perfectly with rich, fatty meats.

🍟 Curry Mayo – whisk Avamasala into mayo for an instant dipping sauce (especially good with sweet potato fries).

An Award-Winning Newcomer

Even though it’s one of the newest sauces in the Harmacy lineup, Avamasala has already taken home several awards in its first year. That recognition means a lot — but honestly, nothing beats hearing from someone who tries it for the first time and says, “This is my new favorite sauce.”

FAQ: Avamasala Hot Sauce

What does Avamasala taste like?
It’s a medium-heat sauce with warm curry spices, tangy mustard, and savory chili-garlic depth. Think earthy, tangy, and slightly smoky.

Is Avamasala vegan and gluten-free?
Yes — like all Harmacy sauces, Avamasala is vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free.

How spicy is Avamasala?
It’s medium-spicy. Enough kick to wake up a dish, but not so hot that it overwhelms the flavor.

What foods pair best with Avamasala?
Sandwiches, wraps, sausages, charcuterie, roasted veggies, and curry mayo dips are all great places to start.

Where can I buy Avamasala?
👉 Click here to pick some up!

Developing this sauce was messy, rewarding, and full of lessons — the kind of process that makes Harmacy what it is.

So if you’re looking for something tangy, spicy, and totally unique, give Avamasala a shot. It’s Flavor First. Unique Taste. Balanced Heat. And I think you’ll love it as much as I do.