Its back to basics today! When I started cooking almost a decade back, I was so curious when I scouted Amma's kitchen. Of course, my earlier visits were just restricted to enjoying a quick breakfast or snacks. Never ventured beyond the realms of finding out what's in those small boxes Amma had piled up. And then of course, there is that fact that as most fashionable trends in learning cooking, I started with baking and high cut themes. Making Dal or Sambar was too low for me or it was not even something I considered I should even attempt!
So when I finally faced a situation, when I had to dish out a sambar, I was faced with the most complex factor. How did I think making dal or sambar was so easy to prepare. Faced with these facts, I realized that I had to include so many other things, to finally get what a sambar makes. That's when I was introduced to those small boxes that Amma has next to her stove. All those ready mixes that are helpful in doing the Tadka or seasoning or Tempering or poppu as we call it.. Apart from that she also has lot of powdered stuffs, stored for a week or so. Basically all the posts in the series follow what Amma has in her pantry, and which I have continued in mine.
One such very important is the mix of spices or the ingredients used for seasoning in South Indian dals or Sambar. When I read about Panch Phoran, I was surprised that, that mix has a name, while we just refer that as seasoning. When I read more about it, I was intrigued on how close and yet so far away, each regional cuisines are.
Panch phoran is an Indian spice blend typically consisting of five whole spices in equal measure and used in Oriya or Bengali cuisine.
Panch Phoran has Fenugreek (methi), Nigella seed (kalonji), Mustard seed or (rai or shorshe), Fennel seed (saunf or mouri), and Cumin seed (jira).
Whereas the South Indian version has Mustard, Urad, Cumin and Fenugreek. In our kitchen, this mix of these spices is a must. We use it for tempering Sambars. Though this mix is not in equal portions. This forms the most basic of stuffs that needs to be around when you are going to make sambar!
We make about a cup having about 50 gms of Mustard and store for a week or so, depending on our usage! I am giving in smaller measures for more clear picture.
South Indian Spice Mix for Sambar
Mustard Seeds - 2 tbsp
Urad Dal - 1 tbsp
Cumin Seeds - 1 tbsp
Fenugreek - 1/2 tbsp
Fenugreek is not added more and also care should be taken while tempering with this. This tends to turn bitter if over cooked.
For Dals
Mustard Seeds - 2 tbsp
Urad Dal - 1 tbsp
Cumin Seeds - 1 tbsp
Have these mixed and ready to pick. When you are ready to use this, shuffle the box well so that the spices are mixed again. The spice mix is added depending on the quantity of Sambar made. For about 75 gms of Tuvur Dal or making for 4 persons, use about 3/4 tsp of this mix.
Make small batches and store. Mix and use when needed.
This Spice blend is a part of my series on Essentials for Basic Indian Cooking! Having these ready at hand, makes Indian cooking a little easier task!
I welcome suggestions and thoughts on this series. If you have any other ideas on how to make this series better, feel free to share them with me!
Roopa says
hey nice post. i never prepared homemade sambar powder. but i love to make it as i have my spice grinder now:)
jayasree says
Valli, back to basics eh? Good one. The series will be very helpful to beginners. Continue the good work.
sireesha says
Hi, Its Indeed a nice post.It will be very helpful to the beginners.....
Rachel says
It's funny the way you mentioned about baking...being fashionable....I love reading your pre-recipe text a lot....
Sukanya Ramkumar says
That was a nice combo of ingredients. Nice information..
Jamie says
Thank you so much for posting this. It is so useful, since I know nothing about making my own poweders and mixes. This is great!
Arundathi says
valli - this is indeed a great series - it's so basic, but sometimes you just don't know... powders/spices that are so basic to certain parts of the world are completely foreign to the rest. thanks for the series.
vb says
There is nothing like having these spice mixes at the ready. I make a huge batch of sambar powder then give some away to friends and always have plenty and I use it for lots of non-Indian cooking too. I also have a jar of garam masala that I made and panch phoran. Your's looks great!
Happy cook says
Me too never made home made sambar powders.
My sister do it but me the amature in these things.
Sunshinemom says
Good idea! I usually go by feel and sight..never really gave much thought to the measurements. I will try paying attention to the basics...time to go back to school, I suppose:)
Andhra Flavors says
hi,
something is waiting for u @ my blog 🙂
kamala says
Me too never worried abt sambhar and rasam till married ( had an assumption those are all very simple)My husband still remembers my first rasam!!!Great to have all the spices in handy.I too have all those things in Anjarapetti
Purnima says
Neat, hv bookmarked this spice mix special
Nupur says
What a wonderful idea! This would be a very handy spice mix to keep on hand (or give away as a small gift).
Maheswari says
Nice writeup..Loved the idea of going to basics..I usually eye ball everything, now after starting the blog,i keep my measuring spoons and my book nearby...:D.
maninas says
Dear Srivalli, I appreciate this series very much (though I've just discovered it). I adore Indian food, and I've got lots to learn about it, so I appreaciate your help. Thank you!
maninas says
I forgot to add that I found a recipe for Bihari panch phoran that uses ajwain instead of cumin. I have a gorgeous aloo recipe with it:
https://maninas.wordpress.com/2007/11/20/rci-cuisine-of-bihar/