Basics: Chutney Powder (Idli Podi/Kaara Podi/Mailagai Podi)

Who wouldn't love Idli Podi? Its the most easiest to prepare and yummiest accompaniment for hot steaming Idlis(Steamed Rice Batter). I love love Podi with Idli, Dosai and even mix it with rice, just like the Paruppu Podi..Here is an easy way to make it and enjoy it right from your kitchen. You need a powerful mixer to grind the pulses. Puny little juicers won't do the trick.If you don't have the tools to do it at home, there is always ready-made stuff in the Indian stores.

 

In the picture below, the one on the left is homemade and the one on the right is readymade(MTR Brand).

Ingredients:

• Bengal Gram(Kadalai Paruppu) - 1/2 cup
• Urad dhal - 1 cup
• Dry Red Chillies - 10#s
• Sesame seeds - 2 tsp
• Curry Leaves - 10-12 stalks
• Asafoetida - a pinch
• Salt for taste
• Olive oil - 1 tsp

Procedure:

• In a thick bottomed pan, dry fry both the dhal until they are browned.Set aside.
• Dry fry the sesame seeds until they are browned and set aside.
• Heat the olive oil and add the hing, curry leaves and red chilli. Fry on a very low flame until the curry leaves are crisp.Sprinkle salt over the hhot mixture and switch off the stove. 
• Once all ingredients are cool, corasely powder them in a powerful mixer.Check for salt. Add more if needed.
  
• Store in an airtight container and use it as needed with little oil(Olive oil or sesame oil)

Enjoy!