Recipe & Cooking Instructions for Making Real Sambhar Masala
Creating Sambhar Spice mix from start to finish involves various steps. Here is a detailed guide on the entire process, from sourcing ingredients to packaging the final product:
Sourcing Ingredients:
- 1. Whole Spices: Purchase high-quality whole spices such as coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, mustard seeds, and dried red chilies.
- 2. Additional Ingredients: Obtain turmeric powder, asafoetida (hing), curry leaves, and dried coconut if required for the recipe.
Cleaning and Pre-processing:
- 1. Cleaning: Thoroughly clean and sort the whole spices to remove any impurities or foreign matter.
- 2. Toasting: Lightly toast the whole spices in a dry pan to enhance their aroma and flavor.
- 3. Cooling: Allow the toasted spices to cool before moving on to the next step.
Grinding and Mixing:
- 1. Grinding: Grind the toasted spices to a fine powder using an electric spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
- 2. Mixing: Combine the ground spices with turmeric powder, asafoetida, curry leaves, and dried coconut (if using) in the desired proportions. Ensure uniform mixing for a consistent flavor profile.
Quality Control and Testing:
- 1. Sensory Evaluation: Conduct a sensory evaluation to check the aroma, taste, and color of the spice mix.
- 2. Quality Assurance: Perform quality checks to ensure that the spice mix meets safety and quality standards.
Packaging:
- 1. Packaging Material: Select appropriate packaging material such as airtight containers, jars, or pouches.
- 2. Labeling: Label the packaging with the spice mix name, ingredients, nutritional information, manufacturing date, and any other required details.
- 3. Filling: Fill the packaging with the Sambar spice mix using equipment like a filling machine or by hand.
- 4. Sealing: Seal the packaging to ensure the spice mix remains fresh and free from moisture.
- 5. Batch Coding: Assign a unique batch code to each packaging for traceability and quality control purposes.
Storage and Distribution:
- 1. Storage: Store the packaged Sambar spice mix in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- 2. Distribution: Plan the distribution channels—whether selling locally, online, or through distributors—and maintain proper inventory management.
Compliance and Documentation:
- 1. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, labeling requirements, and other relevant standards.
- 2. Documentation: Maintain detailed records of ingredients, production processes, quality testing results, and distribution activities for regulatory purposes.
By following these steps meticulously and ensuring quality control at each stage, you can produce a flavorful and consistent Sambhar Spice mix that meets industry standards. Always prioritize hygiene, ingredient quality, and compliance with food safety regulations throughout the production process.