Cardamom
Key Features
Spice Blend Origin: Sambar powder is a quintessential South Indian spice mix used to make sambar, a tangy and flavorful lentil-based stew. The blend typically contains a mixture of dried red chilies, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, black pepper, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and sometimes lentils like urad dal.
Spice Blend Origin: Sambar powder is a quintessential South Indian spice mix used to make sambar, a tangy and flavorful lentil-based stew. The blend typically contains a mixture of dried red chilies, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, black pepper, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and sometimes lentils like urad dal.
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Used in Various Dishes: Though primarily for sambar, this powder can be used to season soups, curries, stir-fries, and vegetable preparations. It can even be sprinkled on roasted vegetables for extra flavor.
Ready-to-Use: Sambar powder can be made at home or purchased pre-packaged in Indian grocery stores. Homemade versions are preferred for freshness and customization, while store-bought options provide convenience.
Key to South Indian Cuisine: Sambar powder is essential for authentic South Indian cooking, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. Its balance of spices is designed to enhance the natural flavors of lentils and vegetables.
Recipes
a. Traditional Sambar
- Ingredients: Toor dal (pigeon peas), sambar powder, tamarind, vegetables (drumsticks, carrots, brinjal), mustard seeds, curry leaves, ghee.
- Instructions: Cook toor dal and set aside. In a pan, heat ghee, add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and vegetables. Stir in sambar powder and tamarind water, then mix with the cooked dal. Simmer until the vegetables are tender. Serve with rice or dosa.
b. Sambar Powder Roasted Vegetables
- Ingredients: Assorted vegetables (potatoes, carrots, cauliflower), sambar powder, olive oil, salt.
- Instructions: Toss vegetables in olive oil, sambar powder, and salt. Roast in an oven at 400°F (200°C) until crispy and golden. This makes for a flavorful and healthy side dish.
c. Sambar Powder Soup
- Ingredients: Lentils, sambar powder, garlic, onions, tomatoes, spinach, coconut milk.
- Instructions: Cook lentils with onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Add sambar powder, spinach, and coconut milk. Simmer for 10 minutes. The soup can be served as a hearty, protein-packed meal.
d. Sambar Powder Stir-Fry
- Ingredients: Paneer or tofu, mixed vegetables, sambar powder, mustard seeds, curry leaves.
- Instructions: Heat oil and sauté mustard seeds and curry leaves. Add paneer or tofu and vegetables, stir in sambar powder, and cook until vegetables are tender. This stir-fry pairs well with chapati or rice.
e. Sambar Powder-Flavored Rice
- Ingredients: Cooked rice, sambar powder, peanuts, curry leaves, mustard seeds, ghee.
- Instructions: In a pan, heat ghee, add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and peanuts. Stir in sambar powder and cooked rice. Toss until the rice is coated evenly. This dish can be a quick and flavorful lunch.
f. Sambar Powder Marinade
- Ingredients: Sambar powder, yogurt, garlic, ginger, lemon juice.
- Instructions: Mix sambar powder with yogurt, garlic, ginger, and lemon juice. Use this as a marinade for chicken, fish, or vegetables before grilling or roasting.
Sambar powder is a versatile spice blend that not only adds depth to various dishes but also offers a wealth of health benefits. Its combination of antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory spices supports digestive health, immunity, and overall well-being. Whether used traditionally in sambar or creatively in other dishes, it remains a valuable part of both culinary and medicinal practices.
Specifications for Cardamom
| Weight | 100 Gm or 250 Gm or 500 Gm or 1 Kg |
| Cardamom Size | 5mm or 6mm or 7mm or 8mm |
| Organic Classification | Organic |