Don’t Have Sambar Powder At Home? Here Are 3 Alternatives You Can Try Instead

Winters are here and we know you are craving comforting curries to relish. From the North Indian Pindi Chhole to the South Indian Sambar and Rasam, India has an assortment of delicious, aromatic and flavourful curries to warm our souls during winters. The best thing about these warm and comforting winter curries is the goodness of fresh winter produce. Highly nutritious, flavourful and aromatic, winter curries are enriched with nutritious produce, spices and aromatics.  

One such appetizing Indian curry to soothe your soul during winters is the South Indian Sambar. Made with a variety of vegetables, lentils, spices and aromatics, Sambar is something that all South Indians swear by. While the lentils and vegetables are easily available, the only thing that acts as a hurdle in the foodie’s way of relishing a wholesome sambar is sambar powder. Needless to say, sambar powder is the most vital ingredient for the perfect flavour and aroma of an authentic bowl of sambar. Have you run out of sambar powder but want to enjoy a hearty bowl of sambar? Here are three alternatives to save you a trip from the market.  

1. Rasam Powder
   With many similar ingredients, Rasam powder is one of the best substitutes for sambar powder. Sharing similar flavour profiles, both these South Indian delicacies are popular and loved. Find a Rasam Powder that has similar ingredients as the sambar blend you usually use and you are good to go.  
2. Chaat Masala
   Now, this may sound outrageous, but hear us out. With the perfect amount of tang and flavour, Chaat Masala will not only sub in for sambar powder but also make up for lack of tomatoes or tamarind. Use Chaat Masala as per your preference and balance the flavours of the sambar with it.  
3. Vindaloo Curry Powder
   One of the hottest spice blends, Vindaloo curry powder can be a bold, but an intelligent substitute for sambhar powder. Use the most resembling Vindaloo curry powder in the market and watch your sambhar come alive.  

Try these alternative spice blends in place of sambar powder. Here’s a detailed recipe for you to make sambar at home.