How to Prepare Home-Made Sambhar Masala - Step by Step Guide

How to Prepare Sambhar Masala

Learn how to prepare delicious sambhar masala using the provided ingredients. Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful spice blend that will elevate your sambhar dishes.

Ingredients:

• 25-30 fresh curry leaves
• 6 teaspoons coriander seeds
• 2 teaspoons split white Urad dal
• 2 teaspoons split pigeon peas (arahar dal)
• 1 teaspoon split Bengal gram (chana dal)
• 10 whole dry red chillies
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds (methi dana)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing powder)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Steps:

1. Heat a pan over medium heat and add the fresh curry leaves, coriander seeds, split white Urad dal, split pigeon peas, and split Bengal gram. Dry roast them until they release a fragrant aroma, being careful not to burn them. Stir continuously to evenly toast the spices.
2. Add the whole dry red chillies, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, black pepper, and mustard seeds to the pan. Finally, sprinkle in the asafoetida powder. Continue roasting for a few more minutes until the spices become aromatic. Avoid burning them by stirring gently.
3. Once the spices are roasted to perfection, remove them from the pan and set them aside to cool.
4. Once the roasted ingredients have cooled down, transfer them to a blender or spice grinder.
5. Add the turmeric powder and salt to the blender or grinder with the roasted spices.
6. Blend all the ingredients until they form a smooth and finely ground powder. This process may take a couple of minutes to reach the desired consistency.
7. Congratulations! Your homemade sambhar masala is now ready to be used. For maintaining its freshness, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Tips and tricks for the best results:

• Dry roasting the spices enhance their flavors and aromas, resulting in a more fragrant sambhar masala.
• Stir the spices continuously while roasting to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
• Adjust the quantity of red chillies according to your desired spice level. Increase or decrease the number to make the masala spicier or milder.
• Ensure optimal flavor by consistently incorporating fresh, high-quality ingredients into your recipes.
• Allow the roasted ingredients to cool completely before grinding to prevent condensation and preserve the masala's shelf life.
• Label your container with the name and date of preparation to keep track of freshness.
• Remember to adjust the quantity of sambhar masala according to your taste preferences when using it in recipes.