Sambar powder

After posting 164 recipes I realised that the blog doesn't have a basic sambar powder and sambar recipe.So with out much procrastination I present to you a very easy and  versatile sambar powder recipe.My Indian Friends don't need much explanation regarding this.For my non-Indian friends,sambar is a south Indian style lentil stew with veggies usually served with idly ,dosa or even with rice too.This lentil stew is seasoned with a mix of spices roasted and ground to a fine powder known as sambar powder.Sambar powder is a basic pantry staple of a typical south indian household .

You can customise this to your preference,How much spicy you want it to be.I am sure you are going to ditch the store bought sambar powder after using this .Make sure you are making a small batch as the powder looses it aroma and colour if kept for a long period .I usually make sambar once a week so this quantity goes well for about 5-6 weeks.If you prefer a big batch just double the  measure of the spices.Always try to use A grade spices for best results.

Recipe for sambar powder 

Preparation time:10 minutes

yields-3/4 cup

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup-coriander seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon -urad dal/black gram(split)
• 1 teaspoon-Bengal gram /chana dal
• 1/4 teaspoon-black pepper corns/kalimirch
• 1/4 teaspoon-fenugreek seeds/methi dana
• 1/4 teaspoon-cumin seeds/jeera
• 10 -15 red chilly
• 1/4 teaspoon -asafoetida/hing
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1.On medium heat dry roast the ingredients one by one starting with coriander seeds in a skillet/pan.

2.Dry roast coriander seeds until they splutter,do not brown it .

3.Remove aside in a dry plate.Now add Bengal gram, black gram and roast until golden brown.

4.Now add all the ingredients except hing and roast.

5.Allow the spices to cool to room temperature.

6. Grind the chillies first in dry spice mill or coffee grinder.

7.Add the remaining ingredients to the grinder and grind to a fine powder.

8. Once the powder has come to room temperature store it in a cool dry jar until further use.