Sambar is a staple dish among South Indians, particularly enjoyed during breakfast. Paired with hot idli or dosa, it becomes a favourite breakfast option. Sambar plays a significant role in South Indian breakfasts due to its popularity and delicious taste. The best sambar powder invariably results in the best sambar. Choosing the best sambar powder from the variety available in the market can be challenging. Various brands manufacture sambar powder, creating challenges in determining its quality. Before knowing which is the best sambar powder brand, let’s discuss the history of sambar.
History of Sambar
As mentioned earlier, sambar stands as an iconic dish within South Indian cuisine. Its delightful blend of spices renders it a favourite among South Indians. The quality of sambar significantly relies on the sambar powder used, with the best powder yielding the finest results. According to records or available information, Maharashtra is believed to be the birthplace of sambar. It is said that sambar was first cooked in the royal kitchen of Shahaji I, the son of Ekoji, who established Maratha rule in Thanjavur. Various tales exist regarding the history of sambar.
Sambar is made with dal, vegetables, tamarind, and a blend of spices, and is enjoyed with Idli, Dosa, Vada, Uttapam, and more. Regardless of the tales, sambar has now become the most popular food item in South India.
How to make the best sambar
As discussed earlier, sambar’s main ingredient is sambar powder. Its ingredients typically include dal, along with vegetables such as carrots, onions, lady’s finger, drumstick, potatoes, curry leaves, dried chillies, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, tamarind, turmeric powder, and the crucial component, sambar powder. To prepare sambar, start by rinsing the dal and cooking it in a pressure cooker with three cups of water. In a separate pot, combine all the chopped vegetables with turmeric powder and enough water to cover them. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
Once the vegetables and dal are cooked, mix them and add tamarind juice. Boil the mixture for some time. In a small pan, heat coconut oil and add mustard and cumin seeds, allowing them to splutter. Then, add dried chilli and curry leaves. Finally, add your best sambar powder into the mixture and fry for a few seconds until fragrant.
Pour this mixture into the cooked vegetables and dal, and let the sambar boil for a few minutes. Your delicious sambar is now ready to be served.
How to make the best sambar powder
In earlier times, sambar powder was often made in households. However, as times changed, people depended on the best sambar powder which is available in the market. Let’s discuss how to make the best sambar powder. To make the best sambar powder, you’ll need a variety of aromatic spices and ingredients. For that need a cup of coriander seeds, a cup of dried red chillies (adjust according to spice preference), a cup of cumin seeds, a tablespoon of black peppercorns, a tablespoon of fenugreek seeds, a tablespoon of mustard seeds, a tablespoon of turmeric powder, curry leaves (dried or fresh), tablespoon asafoetida (hing).
Dry roast each ingredient separately in a pan over medium heat until they become fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Transfer each roasted ingredient to a plate and let them cool completely. Once cooled, grind all the roasted ingredients together in a spice grinder or a blender until you achieve a fine powder consistency. You may need to do this in batches. Adjust the number of red chillies according to your preferred level of spiciness. This is the method to craft the finest sambar powder right in the comfort of your own home.
Brahmins the best sambar powder in Kerala
Nowadays, many of us rely on sambar powder available in the market. With numerous options to choose from, the question arises: which brand offers the best sambar powder? The best sambar powder brand in Kerala is Brahmins. Brahmins stand out as a top choice, providing authentic taste and quality. Brahmins sambar powder is favoured in many households for its exceptional flavour and consistency.
It is a trusted brand among households and is widely used in South Indian cuisine, particularly in preparing delicious and aromatic sambar. Brahmins sambar powder is crafted with a unique blend of spices, carefully selected to capture the essence of traditional Kerala cuisine. It’s rich aroma and consistent taste make it a favourite among those seeking an authentic culinary experience. With Brahmins sambar powder, you can elevate your dishes with the distinctive flavours of Kerala cuisine, creating memorable dining experiences for family and friends.