Homemade sambar masala

Marriage sambar powder

organic tasty Sambar masala

Sambar is a traditional South Indian dish made with lentils, vegetables, and a tangy tamarind base, flavored with a special spice blend known as sambar masala. Making your own sambar masala at home allows you to control the flavors and freshness of the spices. Here’s a recipe for homemade sambar masala powder:

Homemade Sambar Masala Powder

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp coriander seeds
• 1 tbsp cumin seeds
• 1 tbsp black peppercorns
• 1 tbsp chana dal (split chickpeas)
• 1 tbsp urad dal (black gram split pulses)
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1-2 dried red chilies (adjust to taste)
• 1-2 green cardamom pods
• 1-2 cloves
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp fenugreek seeds
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp dried curry leaves (optional)
• 1 tbsp tamarind powder or 1 tbsp dried tamarind (optional)

Instructions:

Roast Whole Spices:

• Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
• Add the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, chana dal, urad dal, mustard seeds, dried red chilies, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, and fenugreek seeds.
• Roast the spices, stirring frequently, until they become aromatic and slightly darker. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Be cautious not to burn them.

Cool and Grind:

• Allow the roasted spices to cool completely.
• Once cooled, grind the spices to a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

Add Ground Spices:

• Mix in the turmeric powder and dried curry leaves (if using). If you’re using tamarind powder or dried tamarind, add it at this stage and blend everything together.

Store:

• Store the sambar masala powder in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. It will stay fresh for several months.

Using Sambar Masala in Sambar

Here’s a basic method to use your homemade sambar masala in a sambar recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup toor dal (pigeon peas)
• 1-2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., carrots, potatoes, beans, drumsticks)
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1-2 green chilies, slit (optional)
• 1 tbsp sambar masala powder
• 1 tbsp tamarind pulp (or 1 tsp tamarind paste)
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp oil or ghee
• Mustard seeds and curry leaves for tempering
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

Cook the Dal:

• Rinse the toor dal and cook it in a pressure cooker or pot until soft and mushy. Set aside.

Prepare the Vegetables:

• In a large pot, heat oil or ghee.
• Add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter. Add curry leaves.
• Add onions and green chilies (if using) and sauté until the onions are translucent.
• Add tomatoes and cook until soft.

Add Vegetables and Spices:

• Add the mixed vegetables and cook for a few minutes.
• Stir in the sambar masala powder and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Combine Dal and Tamarind:

• Add the cooked toor dal to the pot with vegetables.
• Mix in the tamarind pulp (or paste) and salt. Adjust the consistency with water as needed.

Simmer:

• Let the sambar simmer for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish with fresh cilantro.
• Serve hot with rice, idli, or dosa.

Your homemade sambar masala will bring a fresh and aromatic flavor to your sambar, making it truly delicious and comforting. Enjoy your cooking!