How to Make Kerala Sambar with Kochammini’s Authentic Sambar Powder

Kerala Sambar is more than just a dish—it's a comforting staple in every Malayali home. Rich in flavor and packed with the goodness of vegetables, this classic South Indian curry gets its unique taste from the spice blend used. That’s where Kochammini’s Authentic Sambar Powder shines. Made from freshly roasted spices in the traditional Kerala style, it ensures every spoon of sambar tastes just like Ammama (grandmother) made it.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step recipe for Kerala Sambar using Kochammini’s homemade Sambar Powder—quick, easy, and bursting with flavor.

 

Why Choose Kochammini’s Sambar Powder?

  • 100% Natural Ingredients
  • Traditionally roasted in small batches
  • Authentic Kerala taste from home kitchens

If you want to recreate the exact flavors of Kerala Sambar, choosing the right sambar powder is crucial. Our blend contains handpicked spices like coriander seeds, dried red chilies, fenugreek, turmeric, and curry leaves—all roasted and ground for the freshest flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Sambar:

  • 1 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 small tomato, chopped
  • 1 drumstick, cut into 3-inch pieces
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 1/2 cup diced pumpkin
  • 1 green chili, slit
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Tamarind (lemon-sized ball, soaked in warm water)

For the Spice Mix:

For Tempering:

  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 dry red chili
  • A pinch of hing (asafoetida)
  • Fresh curry leaves

Step-by-Step Kerala Sambar Recipe

1. Cook the Dal

Wash and pressure cook the toor dal with turmeric and enough water for 3-4 whistles, until soft and mushy. Mash well and keep aside.

2. Boil the Vegetables

In another pan, cook drumstick, carrot, pumpkin, green chili, tomato, and onion with a little salt and water until soft.

3. Add Sambar Powder

Once vegetables are cooked, add 2 tablespoons of Kochammini’s Sambar Powder and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. The aroma at this point is incredible!

4. Add Tamarind

Extract juice from soaked tamarind and add to the boiling sambar. Simmer for another 5–7 minutes.

5. Add Cooked Dal

Now add the mashed dal to the sambar, adjust salt and water, and simmer everything together for 5 minutes.

6. Temper the Sambar

Heat coconut oil in a small pan, add mustard seeds, red chili, hing, and curry leaves. Pour this over the hot sambar and mix well.

Tips for Perfect Kerala Sambar

  • Always use Kochammini’s Sambar Powder to retain the real Kerala flavor.
  • Adding a pinch of jaggery can balance the sourness.
  • Use coconut oil for tempering for an authentic taste.
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