Tiffin Sambar Mix is my latest endeavor to provide a quick and convenient solution for sambar enthusiasts! While it doesn't involve literally packing a pot of sambar, the contents, when emptied and prepared following the instructions, result in a quick, easy, and delicious sambar, commonly known as Tiffin Sambar. It pairs well with practically anything.

While many of us are fortunate to have our moms prepare a delicious sambar whenever we crave it, there are times when we find ourselves in a strange land. I'm talking about regular travelers, students, and kids living away from home in universities, as well as husbands constantly on business trips. For those who can manage simple cooking in their residences or hotels, this pouch offers the convenience of opening, using the required quantity of powder, and preparing a delicious sambar – with or without vegetables – on the microwave or stove.

Ingredients:

3 tbsp coriander seeds

2 tbsp Chana dal

1 tbsp fried gram ( no need to roast ) pottukadalai

4 tbsp toor dal

1tsp black peeper

1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds

Pinch of asafoetida powder

5 red chillies ( Kashmiri variety )

4-tbsp grated coconut

1 small lime sized tamrind

2 tsp sesame oil

Some curry leaves

1 tsp of turmeric powder to be added to the prepared mix later

2 tsp Kashmiri dry chili powder yo be added to mix after powdering . This will give great colour to the sambar .

1 tsp mustard seeds for tempering to be added to prepared powder .

Method:

In a pan heat the oil toast all ingredients except fried gram , curry leaves and coconut .and tamrind . Add asafoetida powder towards end of roasting .

Roast curry leaves at end till crispy.

Roast coconut till a nice aroma comes roast tamrind seperately till crisp but not too dark and brown .Let all ingredients cool. With a drop of oil splutter mustard seeds and keep,it aside .

Powder all ingredients except curry leaves . Add curry leaves to the powdered mixture .

Add the prepared Tempering of mustard seeds to the powder. Mix well and store this ready sambar powder in a clean bottle .

To prepare sambar with the ready mix:

Take 4 tbsp of this powder add a cup of water and boil . Add cooked vegetables like chopped cooked tomatoes fried onions pumpkins if you gave . The sambar will thicken in few minutes

Remove and garnish will fresh chopped coriander leaves if you have .

If you Have few vegetables like tomatoes and onions then take a Cup of the same sautée with little oil add little water to cook veggies , then add sambar mix with water . Let boil for few minutes till sambar thickens a bit .

Notes:

Add fried onions to the prepared sambar mix or make your own but it should not have any moisture or else the prepared sambar mix will spoil . Ready fried onion flakes is available in many stores but I have never tasted them . Just an idea.

Add tomato powder to the mix if you can get them .

You can add about 1/4 cup of tomato powder to the sambar mix .
So while making sambar tomatoes need. It be added .