Description

Kulambu Milagai Podi, also known as Kulambu Podi or Sambar Powder, is a spice blend used to prepare various South Indian dishes, including sambar, rasam, and other types of kulambu (gravies). It is an essential ingredient in South Indian cuisine, adding depth and flavor to a variety of dishes.

To prepare Kulambu Milagai Podi, a combination of dried spices and lentils are dry roasted until they become fragrant and lightly browned. Common ingredients include coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, black peppercorns, dried red chilies, urad dal (black gram dal), chana dal (split chickpeas), and curry leaves. Sometimes, additional spices like turmeric powder and asafoetida are also added for extra flavor.

Once roasted, the ingredients are allowed to cool before being ground into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Salt may be added to taste during the grinding process, although it is more commonly added later when preparing the dish.

The resulting Kulambu Milagai Podi is a flavorful and aromatic spice blend with a balanced mix of savory, spicy, and earthy flavors. It can be used as a base for preparing sambar, rasam, or other kulambu dishes by mixing it with cooked lentils, vegetables, tamarind extract, and other ingredients.

Kulambu Milagai Podi is a staple in South Indian households, and each family may have its own unique recipe with variations in the proportion of spices used. It adds depth and complexity to dishes and is valued for its convenience and ability to enhance the overall flavor of the dish