The secret to flavorful sambar lies in its key ingredient. Yes no prizes here for guessing..you got it! If the sambar powder is no good, the resultant is a bland and sad tasting sambar.To get that genuine taste and kick no store bought brand can do actual justice. A little bit of effort with freshly ground ingredients in the right proportion and there you go !
So on public demand from a lot of friends and readers here is my recipe for sambar powder to get that lip smacking taste of authentic homemade sambar.
Ingredients:
Coriander ( Dhania) powder- 3 cups
Whole red chillies-2 cups
Toor dal- 1 cup
Chana dal-1/2 cup
pepper corns- 1/3 cup
Methi seeds-1/4 cup
Turmeric-1/4 cup
Method:

Dry roast the coriander seeds and lentils individually in a wok (kadai). Start with coriander seeds, next toor dal followed by chana dal and roast them till they are golden brown.Ensure that you roast them on a medium flame taking care that they don’t burn.
Next roast the red chillies, methi seeds and pepper corns. I simply love the aroma that you get while dry roasting the ingredients.
Allow all the roasted ingredients to cool and grind them all using a mixer or a coffee grinder.
I have a vitamix mixer with the dry container which I absolutely adore for all my grinding and blending needs!
Transfer and store the sambar powder in air tight containers.
You may also want to try my recipe for Arachuvitta sambar-using no sambar powder but freshly ground paste!