Nellai Idly Podi:(Tamizhar Style)

Thirunelveli Style – Idly Podi. Karuppu-Ulundhu Idly Podi. Black-Gram Powder to go with Rice. Chutney Powder. Taste Powder. Spice powder.

Ingredients:

Black Gram(Karuppu-Ulundhu) 1 cup
Chana dal(kadalai paruppu) ½ cup
Black/brown sesame seeds ¼ cup
Dry red chilies 25-35
Garlic 15 cloves(optional)
Asafoetida 3-4 spoons
Curry leaves 2-6 twigs
Salt
Sesame oil few spoons(optional)

Method:

Dry toast black-gram, chana dal, sesame seeds, dry red chilies, curry leaves and asafoetida each separately. Maybe till crisply and fragrant.

In the same wok, heat oil and fry garlic till golden color.

In a blender…..dry grind coarsely all the dry toasted items. Set them aside, in a wide tray.

In the same blender, coarsely grind the garlic. Mix them to the powder as well. Add salt too.

Store them in an air-tight container for later use.

Serve them along with steam-cooked idlies, dosas or even plain steam-cooked rice. Mix this powder along with sesame oil/ghee/clarified butter.