Hyderabad, Nov. 13 -- In the rich tapestry of Hyderabadi cuisine, spices are not merely flavour enhancers, instead, they are storytellers. From the fragrant whiff of zafran in a dum biryani to the warm embrace of cardamom in khorma, the spices of Hyderabad define its culinary identity. Central to this spice heritage is the powerful potli technique.

Enter any spice shop or dawasaz in Hyderabad, and you are sure to find a muslin bundle filled with whole and exotic spices, known as Potli ka Masala. Siasat.com explores this little pouch that is unique to only Hyderabadi kitchens.

A legacy that travelled through royal kitchens

The origin of Potli ka Masala can be a topic of argument. Some food historians trace its roots to the royal kitchen...