Sambar powder
A South Indian dry blend of roasted lentils, chillies and seeds that gives sambar its flavour.
Also: sambar podi, sambar masala, kuzhambu podi
Sambar powder is the ground seasoning mix for sambar, the lentil and vegetable stew of South India. Common ingredients are coriander seed, dried red chillies, toor dal or chana dal, fenugreek, mustard, cumin, black pepper, curry leaves and turmeric, dry-roasted until fragrant. Lentils in the blend help thicken the stew and add nuttiness. Every family has its own recipe, and brands vary by region, from the fiery Karnataka bisi bele bath powder to milder Tamil blends. The powder is added to boiled lentils with tamarind and vegetables, then finished with a tadka of mustard seed and curry leaves.