Sambhar Masala Powder Recipe
Sambhar Masala Powder is a blend of a variety of spices, commonly used in South Indian cuisine, to give a distinct flavor to Sambhar, a popular lentil dish. Sambar is an integral part of South Indian cuisine, and the spice mix used to make it is a key element that gives it its unique flavour. The combination of aromatic spices like coriander, cumin, mustard and turmeric creates a balance of flavor that is both spicy and tangy. Sambhar masala powder is often made from scratch using a variety of whole spices and then roasted to a fine powder. Homemade sambar masala powder is prized for its freshness and potency and is considered an essential ingredient in South Indian kitchens.
The general ingredients for making sambar masala powder are as follows:
- Coriander seeds
- Cumin
- Mustard seeds
- Fenugreek seeds
- black peppercorns
- dry red chili
- curry leaves
- turmeric powder
- Asafoetida / Hing)
- Clove
- cinnamon sticks
Note: The exact ratio of these ingredients may vary depending on the recipe and personal preference. Some recipes may also call for additional ingredients such as fennel seed, cardamom, or star anise.
Here is a brief discussion on the importance and role of each ingredient in the final product of Sambhar Masala Powder:
Coriander Seeds: Coriander seeds are an essential ingredient of Sambar Masala Powder. They impart a warm, slightly sweet flavor that balances the heat of the other spices.
Cumin: Cumin imparts a smoky, earthy flavor that is the hallmark of sambar masala powder. They also have a slight bitterness which helps to balance out the other spices.
Mustard Seeds: Mustard seeds add a pungent, slightly bitter flavor to the sambar masala powder. They also provide a subtle crunch that enhances the texture of the final dish.
Fenugreek Seeds: Fenugreek seeds impart a distinct, slightly bitter flavor to the sambar masala powder. They also have a nutty aroma that adds depth to the overall flavor profile.
Black pepper: Black pepper imparts a pungent, pungent flavor that enhances the spiciness of sambar masala powder. They also provide a mild heat that balances out the other spices.
Dry Red Chilli: Dry red chillies impart a pungent, smoky flavor to the sambar masala powder. They also impart a bright red color that adds to the visual appeal of the final dish.
Curry Leaves: Curry leaves impart a distinct, slightly nutty flavor to the sambar masala powder. They also have a heady aroma that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Turmeric Powder: Turmeric powder imparts a bright yellow color to the sambar masala powder. It also has a slightly bitter, earthy flavor that adds depth to the final dish.
Asafoetida (Hing): Asafoetida imparts a unique, pungent flavor to Sambar Masala Powder. It also has digestive properties that aid in digestion.
Cloves: Cloves impart a warm, sweet flavor to the sambar masala powder. They also have a slightly bitter flavor which balances out the other spices.
Cinnamon sticks: Cinnamon sticks impart a warm, slightly sweet flavor to the sambar masala powder. They also have a spicy, slightly bitter flavor that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Altogether, each of these spices plays an important role in creating the complex, delicious sambar masala powder used in South Indian cuisine.
Here are some tips for selecting and preparing high quality ingredients for making sambar masala powder:
Buy fresh spices: To ensure the best flavor and aroma, it is essential to use fresh spices. Check the expiry date on the spice packet or buy whole spices and grind them yourself.
Look for quality spices. Look for spices that have a vibrant color, a strong aroma, and are free of mold or any other contaminants. Buy spices from a reliable source and if possible go for organic varieties.
Dry roast the spices: To enhance the flavor of the spices, dry roast them in a pan on low to medium heat till fragrant. This process also helps to remove excess moisture from the spices, which can cause them to spoil.
Cool the spices before grinding: After roasting the spices, after they cool completely, grind them to make a fine powder. This ensures that the heat doesn’t damage the oils in the spices, which can negatively affect flavor.
Store in an airtight container: After preparing the sambar masala powder, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. It helps in retaining the freshness and flavor of the spices.
Here is the step-by-step process of making homemade sambar masala powder:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup coriander seeds
- 1/4 cup cumin
- 1 tbsp mustard seeds
- 1 tbsp fenugreek seeds
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 5-6 dry red chilies
- 1/2 cup curry leaves
- 1 tbsp turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
- 4-5 cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
Equipment:
- heavy bottomed pot
- spice grinder or coffee grinder
- airtight container for storage
Method:
- Heat a heavy bottom pan on low to medium heat. Add coriander seeds, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, black peppercorns, dry red chilies, curry leaves, cloves and cinnamon to the pan. Fry the spices for 3-5 minutes or till the aroma comes. Stir the spices frequently to ensure uniform roasting and prevent burning.
- Take the pan off the heat and let the spices cool completely.
- Once the spices have cooled, transfer them to a spice grinder or coffee grinder. Grind them and make fine powder. You can also grind them in small batches if your grinder is not big enough.
- Add turmeric powder and asafoetida to a spice grinder and stir for a while to combine all the ingredients.
- Transfer the sambar masala powder to an airtight container to store. Store it in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and moisture.
- Your Homemade Sambar Masala Powder is ready to use. You can add it to your sambar or any other South Indian dish for an authentic taste.
Here are some tips and tricks to get the right consistency and taste while making sambar masala powder:
Experiment with spice ratios: The spices in Sambhar Masala Powder can be adjusted as per your taste preferences. For example, if you like a spicier sambar, add more cayenne pepper or black pepper. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne and black pepper.
Use high-quality, fresh spices: Using fresh and high-quality spices can greatly improve the flavor of your sambar masala powder. Look for spices with a strong aroma and vibrant color. You can also consider buying whole spices and grinding them yourself for maximum freshness.
Roast the spices well: To enhance the taste and aroma of the spices, it is necessary to roast them. Roast them on a low to medium flame, while stirring frequently, to avoid burning. This step can make a significant difference in the final taste of your sambar masala powder.
Chill the spices before grinding. Grinding hot spices can leach out their oils and cause lumps in the powder. Allow the roasted spices to cool completely before grinding them in a grinder.
Store in an airtight container: After preparing the sambar masala powder, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. This can help in retaining the freshness and flavor of the spices for a long time.
By following these tips and tricks, you can get the right consistency and flavor for your homemade sambar masala powder. Enjoy the delicious and authentic taste of South Indian cuisine in the comfort of your own home!
Here are some ways in which you can use sambar masala powder:
Sambhar: Sambhar masala powder is an essential ingredient in traditional sambar recipes. It adds a unique flavor and aroma to the lentil and vegetable stew popular in South India.
Vegetable Dishes: Sambhar Masala Powder can be used as a condiment for various vegetable dishes, such as Potato Fry, Bhindi Fry and Brinjal Curry. It can add depth of flavor and enhance the flavor of the dish.
Lentil dishes: Sambhar masala powder can also be used in various lentil dishes, such as dal tadka, chana masala and rajma masala. It can add a distinctive flavor to the dish and make it more palatable.
Rice dishes: Sambhar masala powder can be added to rice dishes, such as lemon rice, tamarind rice and tomato rice, to give them a unique flavor and aroma.
Snacks: Sambhar Masala Powder can be used as a seasoning for various snacks like popcorn, roasted gram and nuts. It can add a spicy and savory flavor to the snack.
Marinade: Sambhar masala powder can also be used as a marinade for meats and vegetables. It can add a unique flavor to the dish and make it more delicious.
In short, sambar masala powder is a versatile spice blend that can be used in a variety of ways in Indian cooking. Its unique flavor and aroma make it a popular condiment for traditional sambar dishes as well as for various vegetable, dal, rice, snack and marinade dishes.
Here are some tips to store and use homemade sambar masala powder to ensure maximum freshness and taste:
Store in an airtight container: After preparing the sambar masala powder, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. This can help in retaining the freshness and flavor of the spices for a long time.
Label the container: Be sure to label the container with the date of preparation so you can keep track of its shelf life. Homemade sambar masala powder can last up to 6 months if stored properly.
Use sparingly. Sambhar masala powder is a potent spice mix, so just a little goes a long way. Use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
Toast before using: To enhance the flavor and aroma of sambar masala powder, toast it in a dry pan for a few seconds before using it in a recipe.
Add at the end of cooking: Add sambar masala powder at the end of cooking to ensure that its flavor is not lost during the cooking process.
Adjust quantity according to taste: The quantity of sambar masala powder required in a recipe may vary depending on personal taste preferences. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your homemade sambar masala powder retains its freshness and flavour, and enhances the flavor of your dishes.
Some popular brands of sambar masala powder include:
Everest Sambhar Masala
MDH Sambar Masala
MTR Sambar Masala
Eastern Sambhar Masala
take sambar masala
These brands are known for their quality and authentic taste and are easily available in grocery stores and online. It’s important to choose a reputable brand that uses high-quality ingredients and has a good reputation for consistency and taste.
Making your own sambar masala powder at home is a great way to enhance the taste and aroma of your favorite Indian dishes. It is easy to make and requires only a few simple ingredients. By making your own sambar spice powder, you can control the quality of the ingredients and adjust the flavor to suit your personal taste preferences.
Making sambar masala powder at home is not only a fun and rewarding activity, but it can also save you money in the long run. By purchasing spices individually and blending them at home, you can avoid the markups and added preservatives often found in store-bought spice blends.
So, if you are a fan of South Indian cuisine or just like to experiment with different spice blends in your cooking, I highly encourage you to try making your own sambar spice powder at home. It’s a simple and rewarding process that can take your cooking to the next level.
FAQ
What is sambhar masala powder?
Sambhar masala powder is a blend of spices commonly used in South Indian cuisine, particularly in the preparation of sambhar, a lentil-based vegetable stew.
What are the ingredients in sambhar masala powder?
The ingredients in sambhar masala powder vary, but commonly include coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, mustard seeds, dried red chilies, curry leaves, and turmeric powder.
Can I make sambhar masala powder at home?
Yes, you can make sambhar masala powder at home by grinding together the individual spices in a blender or spice grinder.
How long does sambhar masala powder last?
Homemade sambhar masala powder can last for up to 6 months if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
What dishes can I use sambhar masala powder in?
Sambhar masala powder is commonly used in the preparation of sambhar, but can also be used as a seasoning for other dishes such as vegetables, lentils, and rice dishes.
How much sambhar masala powder should I use in a recipe?
The amount of sambhar masala powder required in a recipe can vary depending on personal taste preferences. It is recommended to start with a small amount and adjust as necessary.
Where can I buy sambhar masala powder?
Sambhar masala powder is available in grocery stores and online, with popular brands including Everest, MDH, MTR, Eastern, and Catch. You can also make your own at home using individual spices.
