Sambar Powder(Podi) Recipe

Sambar Powder Recipe | Sambar Podi

Sambar Powder is a quintessential essential powder in any SouthIndian Kitchen. This podi recipe is an authentic Tamil Brahmin version of sambar powder that my grandmother has perfected over many years. 

Learn how to make this homemade Sambar powder masala.

SAMBAR POWDER RECIPE 

We always have Rasam Podi, Sambar Podi and Dosa Milagaipodi always stored in a Tamil Brahmin's Kitchen. 

This South Indian Sambar Powder is a special blend of commonly available spices like coriander seeds, tuvar dal, chana dal, mustard seeds, urad dal, black pepper, methi seeds, and dried red chili. Together they add an exceptional flavor to your sambar.

This Sambar Powder will come in handy to make Instant Sambar, Tiffin Sambar or Vatha Kozhumbu to serve with your tiffin recipes.

Growing up in India, my amma only had One Multipurpose powder called Sambar Powder. She would make Rasam with the same powder by adding Cumin Powder and a few more spices.  Only the experts know how to play around with this combination!!

Ever since I have moved to the UK, my mom or patty ( grandmother) will send me packets of this homemade sambar powder & rasam powder. I must admit - for all through these years I had hardly made the powder myself, as nothing beats the authentic flavors from mom and patty.

However, following the hand written recipe from my recipe book, I have to make Sambar Powder at home a few times, and they were just as the experts in a Palakkad Cuisine would make.

You may also love these authentic recipes from Palakkad Cuisine

Molagootal

Archavittu Onion Sambar

Kerala Mango Pickle

Puli Inji ( pulikachal )

WHAT IS SAMBAR? 

Sambar is a popular lentil-based stew cooked with lentils, vegetables, tamarind, and spice powder called sambar masala podi. This homemade sambar podi will uplift the flavors from your regular vegetable stew to an authentic South Indian Sambar.

Although, you can buy Sambar powder from stores - with various brands like MTR SAMBAR POWDER, RAJAH Sambar Masala and many more. Nothing compares to the aromatic blend of the homemade sambhar masala.

 At home, we like to serve sambar with beans poriyal or cabbage poriyal and steamed rice.  We also serve sambar with Pongal, Idli, Dosa & Vada too. 

HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE SAMBAR POWDER RECIPE? 

This Sambar Powder is one of the most important essential ingredients to make Sambar.  

To make this podi at home, 

Dry Roast the Dal's, Black Pepper,Mustard & Methi Seeds in a deep pan until they are dark brown in color.

Transfer them to a plate and allow them to cool down.

Add the Coriander seeds and roast for about 2 minutes until they are just about to change color.

Lastly, add the red chilies to the pan and roast until they become warm. Do not over roast the chilies.

Transfer them to a plate and allow them to cool down.

Once all the ingredients come down to room temperature, transfer the roasted ingredients to the mixie ( blender ) and grind them to a fine powder.

TIPS & TECHNIQUES

For Deep Red Color to your Sambar Powder, use Bydagi Chilli from Karnataka or Kashmiri Red Chilli - both are milder varieties.  My aunt, who lives in Davangere uses Bydagi Chilli in her Sambar Powder for color.

For this recipe,  I would use a combination of dried chilli - ½ Bydagi Chilli / Kashmiri Red Chilli & ½ Any other hot variety of Dried Red chilli.  With this you will have a deeper combo of color and spice.

SAMBAR POWDER SHELF LIFE - This powder has a large shelf life and stays fresh for up to 6 months. Store them in smaller ziplock bags, so that it locks the freshness for long. 

DO NOT OVER ROAST - If any of your ingredients are burnt, please discard them. 

SAMBAR POWDER VARIATIONS - Every household and every region have their own version of this sambar podi - like Chettinad Sambar, Kerala Sambar

If you enjoy Homemade Spice Blends, I have got few tried and tested homemade masala powder recipes 

2 Minutes Instant Garam Masala Powder

Achari Masala

Andhra Chutney Powder

Homemade Cumin Powder