5 Sambar Powder Substitutes Idea | Provides Ultimate satiety

Do just crave spicy-tangy hot sambar with rice or idly anything but don’t have the main ingredient ” Sambar Powder!” So, what can you substitute for sambar powder?

But don’t worry, your craving doesn’t get wasted, because here I bring some sambar powder substitutes can use instead of pre-package sambar masala. 

This South Indian dish is made of lentils, vegetables, and spices simmered in water or broth. Sambar is prepared with any type of lentils such as toor dal, moong dal, urad dal, or channa dal and particular spices. 

It is a very effortless and quick recipe for those who don’t want to spend much time grinding sambar masala.

What is sambar powder, and what is it made of?

Sambar powder is an essential ingredient in many South Indian dishes. It is made by roasting and then grinding the following ingredients: channa dal (split Bengal gram), coriander seeds, red chilies, black pepper, cumin seeds, and fenugreek seeds. 

The spices are roasted over medium heat until they are fragrant and then ground to a powder.

5 Ideal Sambar Powder Substitutes 

1. RASAM POWDER- A Perfect Alternative for Sambar Powder

Rasam Powder is a South Indian spice powder that originated in the state of Tamil Nadu and is used to make Rasam, a soup-like dish. 

It has a spicy and tangy taste and is made by roasting spices like cumin seeds, coriander seeds, dry red chilies, and tamarind in oil.

After that, the spices are ground to a powder. Rasam Powder is best used as a substitute for sambar powder when it is called for.

It is usually served with rice or eaten as a standalone dish. It is available in stores or can be made at home.

2. CHAAT MASALA -A Reasonable Replacement for Sambar Powder in Seasoning

Chaat masala is a wonderful spice blend originating from the North of India. It can be used on almost any savory snack, especially on chaats like Dahi Bhalla, Sev poori, kulfi falooda. 

It’s also an excellent seasoning for pan-fried snacks like samosas and pakoras.

Chaat masala is a tangy, spicy, and intensely flavorful blend that enhances the taste of any dish. It’s used as a dry condiment on street food across Northern India. 

It is typically made with amchoor (dried mango powder), cumin, coriander, black pepper, salt, and red chili powder.

The texture of chaat masala is coarse, and it has a bright orange color. It can be used in place of Sambar powder in any recipe. 

Chaat masala is available at most Indian grocery stores, or you can make your own by blending the spices.

Use Chaat masala as a substitute for Sambar powder in recipes; here are some suggestions:

1) Vegetable Salad with Chaat Masala or Lemon Juice

2) Tofu Kebabs

3) Chaat Masala Baked Potatoes

4) Corn Chaat

5) Aloo Tikki (Chaat Burger Recipe )

6) Spicy Baked Potato Wedges with Feta Cheese and Yogurt Cream.

3. Try MADRAS CURRY POWDER place of Sambar Powder Masala 

Madras Curry Powder is a popular spice mix used in South-Indian cuisine. 

Madras Curry Powder has a spicy and earthy flavor with a slightly bitter aftertaste. It’s typically used to add flavor to curries, rice dishes, and even meat dishes, such as chicken or lamb.

The texture of the powder is fine. The main spices are cumin, coriander seeds, red chilies, dried fenugreek leaves (Kasuri methi), turmeric powder, curry leaves. Other ingredients used are black pepper, cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks.

Suppose you are looking to make a dish with a Madras Curry flavor profile. In that case, you can use Madras Curry Powder to replace Sambar powder. 

However, please note that there are differences in the spices used to make Madras Curry Powder and Sambar powder. 

For example, while Madras Curry Powder may have chili pepper, it does not have fenugreek seeds or mustard seeds – two ingredients often found in sambar powder.

Suppose you do not have time to grind the ingredients for your dish. In that case, you can purchase Madras Curry powder from many grocery and specialty stores.

It is highly recommended to keep the Madras curry power stored in a cool, dark, and dry location for up to three months to retain flavor and freshness. 

When using a Sambar powder substitution, 1/4 teaspoon of Madras Curry Powder can be added for every teaspoon of Sambar powder.

Enjoy cooking with Madras Curry Powder and add some Indian flavor to your dishes!

4. Another Pleasing Alternative to Samber Powder Masala is VINDALOO CURRY POWDER 

Vindaloo Curry Powder is a type of Indian curry powder that is made from a variety of spices. (Source)

The main ingredients of Vindaloo Curry Powder are red chilies, garlic, ginger, cloves, coriander seeds, fenugreek leaves-dried curry leaves with salt. 

It has a strong, spicy flavor and a slightly hot taste. The texture of Vindaloo Curry Powder can vary depending on the ingredients used. Still, it is typically ground into a fine powder.

Vindaloo Curry Powder can replace with Sambar powder in Indian recipes. You can also add other dishes to give them a spicy flavor. 

To keep this fresh condiment store in a cool, dark place, it goes for up to six months.

When using Vindaloo Curry Powder in recipes, it is typically best to start with a small amount and add more as needed. This will help to avoid making the dish too spicy.

5. While You Don’t Have anything, Use a HOMEMADE SAMBAR MASALA RECIPE Substitute for Prepackege powder

Sambar is a famous South Indian dish made with Toor dal and Vegetables. 

There are many ways of making it, but the main flavor comes from the Sambar powder or pastes that we add at the end of cooking. 

Here I have shared my Homemade Sambar Masala Recipe, which gives a good aroma and taste to the Sambar.

Ingredients for making Sambar powder/masala –

• · Toor Dal – 1 cup 
• · Urad Dal – 1 tbl spoon 
• · Channa Dal-1 tbl spoon Bengal Gram / 
• · Kadalaparuppu – 1 tbl spoon 
• · Red Chillies – 15 
• · Coriander Seeds – 2 tbl spoon 
• · Cumin Seeds – 1 tbl spoon 
• · Pepper Corns- 5 
• · Cloves/Laung – 4 
• · Cinnamon – 2 inch piece 
• · Star Aniseeds- 1 
• · Bay leaves / Tej patta- 2

RECIPE

1. Dry roast the ingredients listed under “Toor Dal” up to “Bay leaves” in a skillet. Remove from heat and put aside to chill.

2. Now grind this mixture to a fine powder in a blender. Sieve it to remove any coarse particles.

In an airtight jar, store the Homemade Sambar Masala. It will keep for up to 90 days.

The Sambar powder/masala can also be used to make Masala Dosa, Vada Sambar, and other South Indian dishes.

How to store Homemade Sambar Masala for a Long Time?

The best way to store homemade sambar masala is to place it in an airtight receptacle and preserve it in a cool, dark area. 

This will help keep the masala’s flavor and aroma intact for a long time. 

If you plan on using the masala within a few months, you can store it in a refrigerator.

Can you make sambar without sambar powder?

Sambar powder is a unique flavor that only makes the sambar. Only sambar can identify due to the samber powder taste. 

The flavor of sambar cannot be replicated without the powder. So if you ask, ” make sambar without sambar powder,”- I can say you can’t, but the twist is that- If you use its substitute, then it may work.

Although the final result does not recreate the traditional sambar flavor, still it gives the aroma.

To Sambar without sambar powder:

1. Puree onions and tomatoes (if using them). Cut the drumstick, carrot into small pieces. If you are adding vegetables, cut them along with other veggies, or else just use 1 cup of chopped carrots for this recipe.

2. Cook the dal in stages so that it retains some bite. Drain and rinse with cold water to quit the cooking procedure. Set aside (you can use it later for sambar).

3. In a pan, warm the oil and add the mustard seeds and curry leaves, allowing them to sputter over medium heat. Sauté the onions until they are brown. If using, add the chiles, turmeric powder, and hing (asafoetida).

4. Cook for a minute or two after adding the tomatoes. Combine the dal, salt to taste, and 2 cups of water in a mixing bowl. Bring to a boil, then decrease to low flame for 10 minutes.

5. Cook for another 5 minutes after adding the vegetables. Add some water if the texture becomes too thick.

6. At the final touch, use sambar powder alternative( given above)

Can I use garam masala instead of sambar masala?

No, You can’t. Most of the recipe sites allow Garam masala, but From my personal experience, Garam Masala does not fit into sambar. 

Although two masalas share almost the same spices, garam masala doesn’t fit into it. If you want to try! Try once and share with me if you like it or not.

Is Rasam powder the same as sambar powder?

The short answer is Yes; Almost the same. 

Sambar powder is a mix of ground spices that typically includes cumin, coriander, fenugreek, mustard seeds, and dried red chilies. 

On the other hand, Rasam powder is a blend of herbs and spices that usually contains black pepper, cumin, fenugreek, and dried red chilies.

Both Rasam and Sambar powders are used to add flavor to dishes. Still, they have different flavors and applications in south Indian cuisine. 

If you’re looking for a substitute for Sambar powder, you can use Rasam powder as a substitute. 

Whether you’re using Sambar powder or Rasam powder, it’s important to experiment with the spices and herbs to find the flavor that you like best. 

With a little experimentation, you can add an extra layer of flavor to your dishes with these powders.

Now, the next occasion you go shopping, you’ll notice that Rasam powder and Sambar powder look extremely similar!

Can Rasam powder be used as sambar powder?

Rasam powder is a spice blend used to prepare rasam in South Indian cuisine. It typically contains coriander seeds, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, red chili powder, black peppercorn, asafoetida (hing), and dried curry leaves.

However, in general, rasam powder can be used to substitute for sambar powder in most recipes. 

Just make sure to adjust the quantities accordingly, as rasam powder is generally saltier, spicier, and tangier than sambar powder.

Some rasam powder recipes include Rasam Soup, Tomato Rasam, Vegetable Sambar, and Mixed Vegetable Kormier than sambar powder. 

This is because it contains ingredients like tamarind and lemon juice, which are sour.

Aachi sambar powder substitute

Aachi sambar powder is a very good accompaniment with idlis and dosa. 

Today I would like to share a recipe of Aachi sambar, which doesn’t contain chana daal, urad daal, or toor daal. 

Many people avoid these ingredients due to medical reasons but still like the taste of sambar powder.

There are a few substitutes for Aachi sambar powder that can be used in its place. 

1. One option is to use store-bought sambar powder, which is available at most Indian grocery stores.

2. Another option is to make your own sambar powder by blending roasted coriander seeds, cumin seeds, dried red chilies, and turmeric powder. 

3. If you decide to manufacture your own sambar powder, modify the amounts according to how spicy you want the plate.

4. Another option is to use a mix of store-bought garam masala powder and ground coriander seeds. Garam masala powder mixes different spices, including cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and black pepper. It can be seen at most grocery stores.

If you cannot find any of these substitutes, you can also leave out the sambar powder altogether. The dish will still be flavorful without it.

Udupi sambar powder substitute

I have a soft spot in my heart for Udupi sambar powder. I believe this one has a lot to do with being a quick, no-fuss food item.

My mom made a quick dish of rice and Udupi sambar whenever we asked for it as kids because she was too tired after work to cook something elaborate. 

It wasn’t until I grew up and started cooking myself that I realized just how versatile this humble powder is.

There are so many ways to use Udupi sambar powder! 

You can make a quick sambar with some vegetables and dal, or add it to your rice for a flavorful meal. It’s also great in curries and masalas. 

If you’re in a hurry, just add a teaspoon to some hot water for a quick and easy soup.

No matter how you use it, Udupi sambar powder is always delicious. If you’ve never tried it before, I highly recommend giving it a go. You won’t be disappointed!

Ingredients: 1/2 cup rice, 2 tsp urad dal, 2 tsp chana dal, 1 tbsp toor dal, 1 sprig of curry leaves (optional), a pinch of asafoetida, 4 dry red chilies or to taste, a few whole black peppercorns. Spices will expand when roasted, so go easy on them.

Method:

1. Dry roast each ingredient separately at medium-low heat, stirring frequently. The dals will take the longest to roast, about 10 minutes. 

2. Once everything is fragrant and golden brown, let it cool for 5-8 minutes before grinding it all up in a blender or spice grinder. 

3. If you’d like, you can grind the roasted ingredients in batches and mix everything together in a bowl afterward using a spoon or your fingers. 

4. Be very careful when grinding the pepper in a blender! 

5. Pepper is known to have lasting effects on sensitive areas, so if anyone gets accidentally pepper-sprayed from this recipe, don’t say I didn’t warn you. 

6. Use as required after storing in an airtight container. Enjoy!

More Substitutes– Best Maggi Seasoning Substitute

My Favourite Sambar Masala Replacements

· Homemade

· Rasam masala

· Vindaloo Curry Powder

Wrap Up On Substitutes for Sambar Powder 

So, if you’re in a pinch and want to create sambar powder but don’t have any on hand, here are a few alternatives. Try now and comment me hows the taste.

FAQs Related to Sambar Powder Masala & Its Alternatives