Podi Idli – A Flavorful Twist

Podi Idli, also referred to as Milagai Podi Idli, is a South Indian favorite in which soft idlis are topped with a spicy and aromatic Idli Podi (gunpowder). It's a favorite to be had at breakfast, snack time, or even lunchboxes due to the bold flavors and simple preparation.

What is Podi Idli?

Podi Idli is a wonderful, easy-to-make dish in which idlis are flung into Idli Podi, a rough spice powder prepared using roasted lentils, sesame seeds, dry red chilies, and pungent spices. After combining the spice powder with ghee or sesame oil, it gives a nutty and spicy flavor to the idlis, which become irresistibly delectable.

Idli Podi Recipe – Make It at Home!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup urad dal (split black gram)
• 1 cup chana dal (split Bengal gram)
• 2 tablespoons toor dal (pigeon peas)
• 3 tablespoons white sesame seeds
• 75 grams dried red chilies
• A few curry leaves
• 1 small ball of tamarind
• 3 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
• 2 teaspoons oil

Instructions:

1. Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a pan on low fire. Roast urad dal till fragrant.
2. Add chana dal, toor dal, and sesame seeds. Roast until golden brown. Cool on a plate.
3. In the same pan, heat the other teaspoon of oil. Put dried red chilies and curry leaves. Roast until the chilies puff. Put tamarind and sauté for a minute.
4. Let all the roasted ingredients cool. Grind them with salt and asafoetida into a coarse powder.
5. Keep the Idli Podi in an air-tight container. Serve with idli, dosa, or even with rice and ghee!

Podi Idli Recipe – Quick & Tasty

Ingredients:

• 8-10 regular-sized idlis or 35-40 mini idlis
• 2-3 tablespoons Idli Podi (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon ghee or sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• A few curry leaves
• Salt to taste
• Finely chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. If regular-sized idlis are used, cut them into quarters. Mini idlis may be used as such.
2. Heat ghee or sesame oil in a pan on medium heat. Add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter.
3. Add sesame seeds and curry leaves. Sauté until the curry leaves become crisp.
4. Reduce the heat and add the idlis. Toss lightly to coat with the tempered spices.
5. Sprinkle Idli Podi over idlis and mix well. If dry, add a few drops of oil or ghee.
6. Sauté for 3-4 minutes till the idlis are warm through. Add salt if necessary.
7. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.