Unlock the Secret to Perfect South Indian Flavors with this easy homemade Sambar Powder! Lightly roasted whole spices are ground to make an aromatic spice mix to achieve an authentic South Indian taste.
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What is Sambar Powder
Sambar Powder is a quintessential spice blend used in South Indian cuisine, particularly in the preparation of Sambar, a flavorful lentil stew. This aromatic powder is made by roasting and grinding a combination of whole spices to create a balanced and distinct flavor profile. The key to an exceptional Sambar Powder lies in the quality and proportion of spices used.
Indira Aunty's Recipe
When I was working on The Essential Indian Instant Pot Cookbook, I got the opportunity to learn many authentic Tamil Recipes from my friend's mother-in-law. In addition to how to make the best Sambar, Rassam, and Pongal, I also learned how to make fresh spice blends like Sambar Powder and Rassam Powder at home. If you love South Indian food you have to try the Ven Pongal, Vegetable Kurma, Bisi Bele Bhath, and Curd Rice recipes I have shared.
Ingredients For Sambar Powder
Here are the ingredients used to make sambar powder. Use good quality and fresh spices for the best taste and aroma.
- Coriander Seeds - for that light and bright citrusy flavor and aroma
- Lentils - toor dal, chana dal, and urad dal are what I use in this recipe. You can substitute one for the other in case you are allergic to one of them
- Cumin Seeds - savory and nutty, cumin seeds add earthy warm flavors
- Fenugreek Seeds - just a little bit of fenugreek seeds go a long way. Make sure not to overroast them as they will get bitter
- Black Peppercorn - a robust spice for that perfect heat and fresh aroma
- Whole dried Kashmiri Chiles - Kashmiri chilies are mild with low heat. They add a beautiful orange hue to the curry powder and the sambar without adding a lot of heat. If you like spicy sambar powder you can also use a hotter variety of dry red chiles. Just make sure to reduce the quantity so the dish is not overly spicy.
How to Make Authentic Sambar Powder
- Add all the spices to a pan. Dry roast for 2-3 minutes stirring constantly. Spices will start to release the aromas and should be hot to the touch.
- Take the spices out in a bowl and allow them to cool.
- Grind in a spice jar to make a fine powder.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
How to use the Sambar Powder in your cooking
- Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of powder to your sambar during cooking. You can add more or less depending on the desired level of spiciness.
- Stir well to ensure the powder is evenly distributed.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Continue cooking the sambar as per your recipe.
Storage
Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. When stored properly, it can last for up to six months.
More Indian Spice Mixes
Indian cooking uses many different spice blends that are available in Indian grocery stores. If they are on the shelf for a long time, it affects their flavor, aroma, and potency. They can get expensive especially if you do not end up using the entire package before the expiry date. If you love Indian food, you may already have the whole spices in your pantry. Here are spice blends for popular dishes like Pav Bhaji, Chana Masala, and Vindaloo that are easy to make at home:
Recipe
Sambar Powder
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup coriander seeds
- 2 teaspoons toor dal
- 2 teaspoons chana dal
- 2 teaspoons urad daal
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
- ½ teaspoon black peppercorn
- 12 whole dried Kashmiri chiles or 6 hot dry red chiles
Instructions
- Add all the spices to a pan and dry roast for 2-3 minutes or until the spices start to release the aromas and are hot to the touch.
- Take the spices out in a bowl and allow them to cool.
- Grind in a spice jar to make a fine powder. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Makes ¾ cup.
zoeflores says
"I've been following your blog for a while now, and this recipe is another winner!
Aparna says
Hi archana ,
Can you let me know where can I found the measure you have used for the coriander seeds as in the pic of sambar powder ingredients ?
Aparna
Archana says
Hi Aparna, It was a gift from a cousin who bought it during her travels from a local store. Sorry I do not have more details.
Sankalp Packaged Foods says
Your homemade sambar powder looks incredibly aromatic and authentic! I can almost taste the rich flavors just by looking at it. Thanks for sharing!