DISH NAME : SAMBAR POWDER- HOME MADE

Description

Sambar is a lentil based gravied curry used with rice, idli, dosa & vada as an accompaniment. It originated in Tamilnadu but is made all over south india.
In Sanskrit, Cumin is known as Jira. Jira means “that which helps digestion". In Ayurvedic system of medicine, dried Cumin seeds are used for medicinal purposes. Jeera is added to water & boiled & this water is cosumed. Helps in digestion. However not recommended during summer months as Cumin is warm.
Asafoetida is used as a digestive aid, in food and as a condiment,in pickles. It is a flavor enhancer. In india its commonly used in lentil curries and also in batter using chick pea flour. Asafoetida is said to have originated in Rome, and despite not being a native of India, it has been widely used in Indian medicine and cooking. It is a resinof a plant is most widely used in its powdered or granulated form, which is usually yellow in colour. The most commonly available form these days is compounded asafoetida, which contains 30 per cent resin and 70 per cent Arabic gum and rice flour or maida. Asafoetida witout arabic gum isconsidered to be the best.
Fenugreek seeds are small, brownish yellow seeds. The seeds have a bitter yet pleasing flavor and potent aroma. Dry-roasting the seeds just slightly give them a nutty taste. Fenugreek is mainly used for tempering & also in pickles. Fenugreek seeds are said to be good for diabates.

Note

1) I have used 10 red dry chillies which were moderately hot & 2 kashmiri chillies( which are not hot) for color. Adjust according to your tolerance level.
2) Pigeon pea is added to give thickness when making sambar.
3) Some people do not add cumin, but i found it gives a good aroma. Also since sambar is made with pigeon peas, cumin helps in digestion & reducing flatulence.

Method

1) Dry roast all the ingredients seperately, except asafoetida.
2) When all the ingredients are slightly cool, add asafoetida and powder them finely.
3) Store in airtight bottles and use to make sambar.

Serving Suggestions

Used to make sambar, a south indian gravied lentil preparation.