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Sambar Powder
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Sambar Powder

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 16 kashmiri chilies stems removed
  • 1/2 cup coriander seeds
  • 1/3 cup curry leaves
  • 2 tablespoons cumin seeds
  • 2 tablespoons chana dal
  • 1 tablespoon urad dal
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
  • 3/4 tablespoon fenugreek seeds
  • 1/2 tablespoon hing
  • 1/2 tablespoon mustard seeds
  • 1/2 tablespoon turmeric powder

Instructions

  • In a pan over medium-low heat, toast the coriander and cumin seeds, stirring often, until the seeds brown slightly (typically 1 to 2 minutes, or until fragrant). Transfer the seeds from the pan to a large bowl and place to the side. 
  • Place the kashmiri chilies in the same pan over medium-low heat. Stirring often, roast the kashmiri until they start to lightly brown, approximately 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the chilies to the same bowl as the coriander and cumin seeds.
  • Place the fenugreek seeds in the same pan over medium-low hear and toast them until they are lightly browned, approximately 1 minute (or until fragrant). Transfer the fenugreek seeds to the same large bowl as the other spices. 
  • Place the black peppercorns in the pan and, stirring often, heat the black peppercorns until fragrant - approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute. Transfer the black peppercorns to the spice bowl.
  • Place the chana dal into the pan over medium-low heat. Roast the chana dal, stirring often, until lightly browned, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the chana dal into the spice bowl.
  • Place the urad dal into the pan over medium-low heat. Toast the urad dal, stirring often until lightly browned, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the urad dal into the spice bowl. 
  • Place the curry leaves into the pan over medium-low heat. Stir the leaves until they crisp (or if using dried leaves until they become fragrant). Transfer the leaves to the spice bowl.
  • Place the mustard seed into the pan over medium-low heat. Heat the seeds until they pop (approximately 1 to 2 minutes), then transfer them to the spice bowl.
  • Remove the pan from the heat, then add in the hing. Stir until the hing slightly changes color and becomes aromatic. Transfer the hing into the spice bowl. 
  • Add the turmeric to the spice bowl and lightly stir. Allow the spices to fully cool to room temperature before starting the grinding process.
  • Using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder, grind the spice mix into a fine powder. This will likely take a few rounds. Transfer the powder into a bowl then mix all rounds of grinding to fully incorporate all spices.
  • Use immediately or transfer the sambar powder into an airtight container and seal for future use.