Description

Sambar dish is shared across South India and Sri Lanka and remains a cornerstone of everyday cooking. A lentil-based stew enriched with vegetables, tempered spices and curry leaves, it brings together warmth, gentle heat and bright acidity in a way that feels deeply satisfying.

Spice Zen's certified organic Sambar Spice Blend captures that essence, offering the signature fragrance and flavour of authentic sambar. A warm peppery lift sits alongside gentle chilli heat and natural fruit tang, supported by the herbal depth of roasted spices and curry leaves. As it simmers, the flavour settles into a rounded, aromatic profile that is layered without heaviness.

Whole black mustard seeds are intentionally left unground to honour tradition. When warmed in oil, they crackle and release their pungent aroma, adding subtle texture and authenticity to the finished dish.

Crafted for classic lentil sambar, this blend moves effortlessly into vegetable curries, dals, coconut-based stews and seafood preparations. It brings the unmistakable warmth of South Indian home cooking to both traditional and contemporary kitchens.

Hand-roasted and stone-ground in small batches at our gluten free Sydney facility using certified organic spices selected for aromatic clarity and balance. Packed fresh in recyclable amber glass jars to preserve natural oils and vibrancy.

Flavour & Aroma Profile

Warm, aromatic and tangy with peppery heat, fruit brightness, toasted spice depth, curry leaf aroma and the lively crunch of whole mustard seeds.

How to Use

Classic sambar: Use 1–1½ tbsp per pot of lentils and vegetables.
Blooming: Warm the blend in Sunflower Oil or ghee until the mustard seeds crackle, then add to the stew.
Vegetable curries: Sprinkle 1–2 tsp over pumpkin, okra, beans, eggplant or mixed vegetables.
Dals: Add 1 tsp during tempering for aromatic depth.
Seafood & fry dishes: Dust lightly on fried fish, prawns or squid for a tangy, spiced finish.
Modern uses: Add to roasted vegetables, soups, coconut curries, savoury bowls or lentil stews.

Perfect For

• Traditional lentil sambar

• Dosa and idli accompaniments

• Rice dishes

• Mixed vegetable curries

• Lentil soups and dals

• Fried fish and seafood

• Coconut-based stews

• Modern Indian-inspired bowls

Wellness Tradition

Warm spices, curry leaves and subtle fruit acidity have long been appreciated in South Indian culinary traditions for bringing balance, comfort and aromatic depth to everyday meals. These reflections honour culinary heritage rather than medical guidance.

Presentation & Storage

Certified organic and gluten free. Hand-roasted and stone-ground in small batches, with whole mustard seeds intentionally left unground for authentic texture. Packed in recyclable amber glass jars to preserve aroma and freshness. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light.

Ingredients & Nutritional Information

Certified Organic Ingredients: Coriander Seed, Pigeon Pea, Cumin Seed, Red Chilli, Black Pepper, Dried Mango Powder (Amchur), Fenugreek Seed, Black Mustard Seed, Cinnamon, Curry Leaf, Turmeric.
Also contains: Gluten-Free Asafoetida.

Recipe Inspirations & Pairings

Cooking Inspirations

• Classic South Indian sambar

• Sambar for dosa, idli or rice

• Vegetable sambar with okra, pumpkin or eggplant

• Sambar-style lentil stew

• Spiced vegetable sauté or stir-fry

• Sambar seasoning for fried fish & prawns

• Coconut sambar (Kerala-inspired)

• Roasted vegetables with sambar crust

• Sambar-spiced soups or broths

• Modern bowls with lentils, greens & roasted vegetables

Signature Recipes

1. Classic South Indian Sambar (Lentil & Vegetable Stew)

Ingredients

1 cup toor dal (or mixed red/yellow lentils)
2 tbsp Sunflower Oil or ghee
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tsp ginger paste
1 tsp garlic paste
A few fresh curry leaves
1–1½ tbsp Sambar Spice Blend
1 tsp mustard seeds (optional)
1–2 tomatoes, diced or ½–¾ cup tomato purée
2–3 cups mixed vegetables (pumpkin, carrot, beans, eggplant, okra, zucchini)
3 cups water (plus more as needed)
¾–1 tsp salt, or to taste
½–1 tsp coconut sugar (optional)
1–2 tsp lemon juice
Fresh coriander, chopped

Method

Prepare the lentils:

Wash lentils well, then soak in warm water for 15 minutes. Drain.
Build the aromatic base:

Heat oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.

Add onion and sauté until translucent.

Stir in ginger, garlic and curry leaves; cook 1 minute.
Bloom the spices:

Add mustard seeds (if using) and Sambar Spice Blend.

Sauté briefly until fragrant.
Create the stew:

Add diced tomatoes or purée, chopped vegetables, soaked lentils, salt and 3 cups water.

Bring to the boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes.
Develop flavour:

Add coconut sugar (optional) and continue slow cooking 15 minutes, or until lentils are soft and slightly mushy.

Add more water for a thinner consistency.
Finish:

Adjust salt. Add lemon juice and turn off heat.

Garnish with fresh coriander.

Chef’s Tips

• Add a spoon of coconut milk at the end for a Kerala-style finish.

• Resting the sambar for 10 minutes deepens the flavour.

• For dosa or idli, keep the consistency slightly thinner.

2. Sambar-Spiced Vegetable Fry

Ingredients

2 cups mixed vegetables (potato, beans, eggplant, pumpkin)
1 tbsp Sunflower Oil
1 tsp Sambar Spice Blend
Salt to taste
Lime wedge

Method

Heat oil in a wok or skillet.
Add Sambar Spice Blend and allow mustard seeds to crackle.
Add vegetables and stir-fry until golden and cooked.
Season with salt and finish with a squeeze of lime.

Chef’s Tips

• Add grated coconut for a coastal finish.

• Works well as a warm salad topper or wrap filling.

3. Sambar-Spiced Crispy Fish (South Indian Fry)

Ingredients

400–500 g firm fish fillets or prawns
1–1½ tsp Sambar Spice Blend
1 tbsp Sunflower Oil
½ tsp lemon juice
Salt to taste

Method

Season fish with Sambar Spice Blend, salt and lemon.
Heat oil in a pan.
Pan-fry fish 2–3 minutes per side until crisp and golden.
Serve immediately.

Chef’s Tips

• Add curry leaves to the oil for a fragrant finish.

• Beautiful served alongside coconut rice or a fresh salad.

Pair It With Spice Zen Organic Cold-Pressed Oils

Sunflower Oil, clean and ideal for tempering
Coconut Oil, beautiful for coastal and Kerala-style dishes
Mustard Oil, adds assertive character to seafood and vegetable fries

Pair It With Spice Zen Teas

Masala Chai, complements warm, spiced dishes
Ceylon Orange Pekoe Tea, bright and refreshing

Payment & Security

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Sambar Spice Blend

A bright, tangy, aromatic blend that awakens lentils, vegetables, seafood and modern bowls with unmistakable South Indian warmth.

No Onion or Garlic|No Added Salt or Sugar|Roasted & Stoneground

$10.00

Tax included.

Size: 35 gm

35 gm 70 gm 110 gm

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