Sambhar (Southern Indian Spice Mix)

From my Indian Adventure....AKA Indian Cooking Class at John Micheal Kohler Arts Center!

Heat together in a dry skillet:

1 T dried red chilies (more or less depending on spice preference)

1 t cumin seeds

1/4 t ground fenugreek seeds 

1/4 T ground asafetida (optional)

1 T ground turmeric

Remove from heat and grind in spice grinder (or coffee grinder - as long as it is not a burr grinder)

Heat together in skillet: 

1 T oil (coconut works well)

1 T dry red lentils

1 T dry split chickpeas

Add to spice grinder and process till desired texture.