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South Indian style sambar powder / masala in a brass plate
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Homemade Sambar powder / sambar masala
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
 

This recipe tells you how to make the best south Indian style sambar masala at home. This spice powder can be used to make sambars, rasams, stir fries.

Course: spice mix
Cuisine: South Indian
Keyword: homemade, spice mix
Author: Preethi
Ingredients
  • 250 grams Coriander seeds
  • 200 grams whole dried red chillies
  • 75 grams Fenugreek seeds
  • 25 grams black pepper
  • 25 grams cumin seeds/ jeera
  • 10 grams compound asafoetida (if not available use Asafoetida)
  • 11/2 inch turmeric root (substitute with turmeric powder)
  • handful of curry leaves (optional)
Instructions
  1. Roast all the ingredients one by one until you get a nice aroma in a medium flame.

  2. Be careful as to not to burn any of the ingredients while roasting. If you have burnt them by mistake, discard and take some fresh spices and start again.

  3. When the spices are roasted, cool them and grind them to a smooth powder Store it in an airtight container.

Recipe Notes
  • I usually get compound asafoetida from India. If you cant get hold of it, use asafoetida powder.
  • It is highly recommended to use fresh turmeric root instead of turmeric powder. You can find them in most asian / Indian stores.
  • We like our sambar masala to be spicy. If you want a milder masala, reduce the amount of chillies used.