Sambar Powder I (Sambar Podi I)

Course :	Mixes
From:	HungryMonster.com
Serves:	1

Ingredients:

1	tablespoon	oil
2	cups	red chiles
1 3/4	cans	coriander seeds
4	tablespoons	cumin seeds
1 1/2	tablespoons	fenugreek seeds
1 1/2	tablespoons	black peppercorns
1 1/2	tablespoons	brown mustard seeds
2	teaspoons	ground turmeric
2	teaspoons	Bengali gram dal -- (yellow split peas, channa dal)
2	teaspoons	red gram dal -- (pigeon peas, toor d
2	teaspoons	poppy seeds
2	pieces	cinnamon bark
3	pieces	curry leaves

Preparation:

Rinse and pick over the dal. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a heavy frying pan or skillet. Add the chiles and sauté for 1 - 3 minutes. In a heavy saucepan, dry-roast all the other ingredients until they each give off a strong aroma. (However, do not roast the ground turmeric.) Place all the ingredients in an electric blender or food processor. Blend into a fine powder. Store in an airtight container and use as required. Makes 7 ounces. From Dakshin, Vegetarian Cuisine From South India by Chandra Padmanabhan.