The most basic and important ingredient in making “Sambar”. This spiced powder is made with a blend of roasted coriander seeds, tuvar dal, channa dal, fenugreek seeds, mustard seeds and few more which adds to this unique taste and exemplifies the taste sambar.

Each region, each family, each household has it’s own variation of this spice blend. This is a very authentic Tamil Brahmin version of sambar powder which has been passed on from one generation to another.

Makes: 1 big jar (about 10 cups)

Ingredients

• 3 cups coriander seeds
• 1/4 cup tuvar dal
• 1/4 cup channa dal
• 1/4 cup fenugreek seeds
• ¼ cup mustard seeds
• 1.5 cup red chilli powder
• ¼ cup turmeric powder

Method

Roast the tuvar dal and channa dal in a pan over medium heat until they turn light brown in color and release a roasted aroma. Set aside.

Roast fenugreek seeds, coarianderseeds, mustard seeds and red chillies together until they changed color and release a roasted aroma. Add the turmeric powder and roast for a few more seconds. Set aside.

Now blend all the roasted ingredients into a fine powder. The samdar podi is ready. Store in an air tight container.

Refrigerate to store for a longer period of time.