Introduction
Idli Podi, also known as Idli Milagai Podi, is a versatile and flavourful spice powder that adds a delightful twist to the already beloved South Indian dish, Idli. This traditional spice originated from the Tamil Nadu region of India, and has gained worldwide popularity for its aromatic blend of spices. Whether you are a spice lover or just looking to enhance the flavor of your idlis, this blog post will guide you through a simple and authentic idli podi recipe that will elevate your culinary experience.
Component:
To make a batch of delicious idli podi, you will need the following ingredients:
Urad Dal (Black Gram Lentils) – 1 cup
Chana Dal (Bengal Chana Dal) – 1 cup
Dry red chilies – 8 to 10 (adjust as per your spice preference)
Sesame seeds – 2 tbsp
Curry leaves – 10 to 12 leaves
Asafoetida – a pinch
Salt – 1 tsp (as per taste)
Oil – 1 tbsp
Instruction:
Step 1: Dry Roasting
- First of all dry roast urad dal and chana dal separately in a pan on low to medium flame.
- Keep stirring them continuously to fry till they turn golden brown.
- This step helps to enhance the flavor of the dal and gives idli podi its distinctive flavour.
- After roasting, keep them aside to cool down.
Step 2: Roasting the Spices
- In the same pan add dry red chillies and sesame seeds.
- Dry roast them until the red chillies swell and the sesame seeds start to smell.
- Avoid burning them, as doing so could leave a harsh taste in your mouth.
Add curry leaves to the pan and fry till they become crisp. Remove them from the pan and keep them aside along with the roasted lentils.
Step 3: Grinding the Ingredients
- Once all the roasted ingredients have cooled, put them in a mixer or food processor.
Add a pinch of asafoetida and salt to the mixture.
- Grind all the ingredients together to make a coarse powder.
- Do not grind it too finely, as the texture of idli podi is best when it has a slight grain like feel to it.
Step 4: Tempering
– Heat a tablespoon of oil in the same pan. When the oil is hot, pour it over the ground idli podi mixture.
Step 5: Storage
- Let the idli podi cool completely before pouring them into an airtight container.
- For several weeks, it will stay fresh if you store it in a cold, dry environment.
Use:
To enjoy idli podi, serve it with hot idlis, dosas, or over plain rice with a drizzle of ghee. The spicy and nutty flavor of the podi will complement the mild flavor of the idli beautifully, taking your dining experience to new heights.
conclusion:
Idli podi is a wonderful addition to any South Indian pantry, and making it at home guarantees its freshness and authenticity. Experiment with spice levels to suit your taste preferences and enjoy the flavors this versatile spice powder has to offer. Share it with family and friends, and let them taste the true essence of South Indian cuisine with this traditional idli podi recipe. Happy Cooking!