Idli Podi (Gun Powder)

          Podi also known as Gun Powder is an essential accompaniment to any South Indian snack / breakfast recipe. They can easily be made at home with few basic ingredients and can be stored in air tight containers for a longer period. 

          For some variation, try using it as a spread on bread / parathas / chapattis along with some ghee or melted butter. Make it further interesting by sprinkling it on pizza, burger,  hot dog, etc. Choice is yours. 

• 1/4 cup chana dal (Bengal Gram)
• 1/4 cup urad dal (split black gram)
• 1/4 cup tuvar dal (split pigeon pea lentil)
• 1 tsp. coriander seeds
• 2 tbsp. sesame seeds
• 7-8 dry red chilies
• 1 tsp. cumin seeds
• pinch of fenugreek seeds
• 1-2 garlic cloves
• pinch of asafoetida
• salt to taste
• 2 sprig curry leaves

          Dry roast all the above mentioned ingredients (except salt and asafoetida) till you get a nice aroma. Switch off the flame and set aside to cool. 

          Grind along with salt and asafoetida into a fine powder. Store in an air tight container and use as and when necessary along with idli, dosa, uttapam, etc.