Idli Podi |Dosa Podi| Idli Milagai Podi

Idli Podi | Dosa Podi| Idli Milagai Podi, also known as gun powder or chutney powder, is a spicy and flavorful powder with savory and nutty notes and a hint of sweetness, traditionally served with hot idlis, dosas, and other South Indian dishes.

The word “podi” means powder in Tamil, which is the language spoken in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu where idli podi originates.

Origin of Idli Podi

Chef Regi Mathew, a renowned Indian chef, explains that podi is a generic term for spice blends in South India. He further added that idli podi, specifically, is a mix of dry-roasted lentils, sesame seeds, and spices that is ground into a coarse powder. It has a spicy, nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness and is commonly served with idlis and dosas.

Sonal Ved from Food52 writes that, according to the ancient Tamil texts of Sangam literature, Idli podi originated from South India. The Vijayanagar dynasty popularized it during their rule, which spanned from 1336 AD to 1565 AD and was based on the banks of the Tungabhadra river in present-day Karnataka. This spread the use of podi to various regions in Southern India, including central and northern Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka.

Why should you make this recipe?

1. This idli milagai podi recipe makes for a quick side dish for a weeknight dinner that goes well with idli or dosa
2. It is uniquely flavorful and tasty.
3. It has a great texture that goes well with idli and dosas.
4. It has multiple health benefits. Idli podi is a great source of protein and fiber, thanks to lentils and sesame seeds.
5. Kids absolutely love homemade idli podi with their idlis or dosas.

Ingredients in Idli Podi

While there are many variations of idly podi, the basic ingredients include:

• Whole Urad dal (black lentils)
• Chana dal (yellow split peas)
• Sesame seeds
• Dried red chilies
• Asafoetida (also known as hing)
• Curry leaves
• Salt

How to make this recipe?

Instructions:

1. To a large pan add half a teaspoon of oil, add urad dal and dry roast urad dal on a slow to medium flame until it becomes fragrant and turn light golden brown. Stir continuously without a break to ensure that the urad dal does not get burnt or change color.
2. In the same pan, add less than half a teaspoon of sesame oil and dry roast chana dal on slow flame until it becomes aromatic. Once roasted, remove the roasted dal (bengal gram) from pan to cool off on a separate plate.
3. To the pan, add a couple of teaspoons of oil and the dry chilies and roast on low flame till they change into a milder darker color. Transfer roast red chilies to the same plate as the chana dal to cool off.
4. Now add sesame seeds to the pan and roast till they turn fragrant. Transfer them to the same plate as the urad dal and allow it to cool.
5. Add curry leaves to the same pan and dry roast on slow flame till they become totally dry and ready to blend into powder form.
6. Transfer the roasted chana dal and red chilies to a grinder jar and grind them to a fine powder consistency.
7. Next, transfer the other roasted ingredients along with salt, curry leaves and asafoetida to the same grinder jar until they form a coarse powder.
8. Transfer the idli podi mix to a container and store it in a cool, dry place.

Substitutions and Optional Inclusions:

If you are unable to find all the ingredients for the idli podi recipe, or if you have dietary restrictions, here are some substitutions that you can use:

1. Red Chili - If you don't have red chillies, you can substitute it with red chilli powder, cayenne pepper or paprika powder directly. Dry roast them on slow flame for a minute or two before adding them to the idli dosa podi recipe. For this recipe, you can substitute around 5 tablespoons of paprika or cayenne pepper.
2. Curry Leaves - If you don't have curry leaves, you can omit them or substitute them with dried curry leaves in this chutney powder.
3. Urad Dal - If you don't have whole urad dal, you can substitute it with split urad dal.
4. Garlic - You may also add 5 roasted garlic cloves or roasted garlic powder if you love its flavors.
5. Coconut - You can also include 2 tablespoons of dry roasted coconut or desiccated coconut in the idli podi. The addition of the dry coconut flakes to the idli podi recipe goes so well when mixed and served with coconut oil.
6. Flax seeds powder - You can add 2 tablespoons of flax seeds powder to make the idli podi recipe more nutritious.
7. Coriander seeds - I have also seen some homemade recipes that also include coriander seeds in their recipe. You may if you want add 1 tablespoon of coriander seeds to this idli dosa podi. However, keep in mind they give off a bitter taste if added in excess.
8. Poppy seeds - You also can 1 tablespoon of dry roasted poppy seeds for a creamy and nutty flavor.
9. Salt - If you are on a low-sodium diet or have high blood pressure, you can reduce the amount of salt used in the recipe or use a salt substitute.

It is important to note that while these substitutions may alter the flavor and texture of the idli podi, they will still result in a tasty and flavorful condiment.

How to serve Idli podi?

This delicious idli podi recipe is typically eaten as a condiment with idlis, dosas, and other South Indian dishes. Here are some ways to serve idli podi:

1. With Idlis/ dosas - Traditionally, idli podi is mixed with ghee or sesame oil and served as a side dish with idlis. Simply sprinkle the desired amount of idli podi on top of the idlis and add a few drops of sesame oil, coconut oil or ghee to it.
2. For Podi Dosa - Idli podi can be used as a filling for dosas. Simply spread a layer of idli podi on the dosa and fold it into a triangle. This makes for a tasty and filling snack.
3. With Rice - Idli podi can also be mixed with steaming hot rice and eaten as a simple and flavorful meal. To do this, mix the idli podi with rice and add a few drops of sesame oil or ghee to it. Mix well and serve hot.
4. With Bread - Idli podi can be used as a spread for bread slices. Simply mix the idli podi with a little bit of oil and spread it on top of the bread slices. Toast the bread and serve hot.

Health benefits of Milagai Podi

Idli podi is not only a tasty spice blend but it also offers various health benefits. Here are some of the health benefits of idli podi:

1. Rich in Protein: Idli podi contains urad dal and chana dal, both of which are good sources of plant-based protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
2. Good Source of Fiber: The sesame seeds and lentils in idli podi are also high in fiber, which helps regulate digestion and keeps you feeling full for longer periods of time.
3. Antioxidant Properties: The spices used in idli podi such as dried red chilies and curry leaves contain antioxidants that help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
4. May Aid in Digestion: Asafoetida, an ingredient commonly used in idli podi, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to aid in digestion and relieve bloating and gas.

Variations of Idli Milagai Podi

Several variations of idli milagai podi can be found across different regions in South India. Here are some of the most popular ones:

1. Regular Idli Milagai Podi - This is the most common variation and is made by dry roasting and grinding a mix of lentils, red chili powder, sesame seeds, and salt.
2. Garlic Idli Milagai Podi - This variation is made by adding garlic to the regular idli milagai podi mix. The addition of garlic gives it a distinct flavor and aroma.
3. Curry Leaves Idli Milagai Podi - This variation is made by adding curry leaves to the regular idli milagai podi mix. The curry leaves add a fresh and fragrant flavor to the spice blend.
4. Peanut Idli Milagai Podi - This variation is made by adding roasted peanuts to the regular idli milagai podi mix. The addition of peanuts gives it a nutty and crunchy texture.
5. Coconut Idli Milagai Podi - This variation is made by adding grated coconut to the regular idli milagai podi mix. The addition of coconut gives it a slightly sweet flavor and a smooth texture.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage of idli podi is vital to make sure it stays fresh and delicious for a prolonged period. Here are some helpful tips on how to store your idli podi correctly:

1. Store in an airtight container - Transfer the idli podi to an airtight container immediately after preparing it. This will prevent any moisture from entering the container and keep the spice blend fresh.
2. Store in a cool, dry place - Idli podi should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Exposure to sunlight and heat can cause the spice blend to lose its flavor and aroma.
3. Use a clean, dry spoon - Always use a clean and dry spoon to take out the required amount of idli podi from the container. This will prevent any moisture from entering the container and keep the spice blend fresh.
4. Refrigerate or freeze - If you live in a humid climate, it is advisable to refrigerate or freeze the idli podi. This will help in preserving the freshness and flavor of the spice blend for a longer period.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your idli podi remains fresh and flavorful for a longer period of time.

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