Sambar Powder

Sambar is an wholesome stew popularly served along with idli, dosa and rice in South India. Any South Indian meal is not complete without a sambar. Here is a homemade recipe for making the sambar powder. This spice blend can be stored in the refrigerator for upto 4 months. Use as and when as needed. Making this sambar powder at home will take your sambar to a deliciously different level. There is nothing wrong with using store bought sambar powders in a pinch but if you have some extra time, this is well worth the effort :)
Servings: 1 yield(s)
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Ingredients
  • cup dried red chillies
  • 3/4 cup coriander seeds
  • 1/4 cup urad dal
  • 1/4 cup chana dal
  • 1/4 cup fenugreek seeds (methi)
  • 1/4 cup cumin (jeera)
  • 1/4 turmeric (haldi)
  • 2 tbsp. paprika
  • 2 tbsp. asafoetida (hing)
  • 2 tbsp. whole black pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup dried coconut powder (optional)
Instructions
  1. Dry roast the tuvar, chana & urad dals in a pan for a couple of minutes. Take it out to cool on a dish. Then add the coriander seeds & rest of the spices and roast in the same pan for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly, making sure the ingredients don't burn. Finally roast the curry leaves & asafoetida for about 30 to 40 seconds.
  2. Cool everything for a few minutes & then dry grind it all into a fine powder in a spice or coffee grinder.
  3. Store in an airtight container. This masala keeps stores well. Use as & when needed.