i used to eat podi (a south indian delicacy, a powder which is mixed with oil or ghee(clarified butter) and had along with dosa, idly or even rice) alone whenever i could sneakily go to the kitchen
Sneaky Kitchen Podi
Prep: 10 min, Cook: 10 min, Total: 20 min
Serves 4
Easy
Nov 22, 2025
1 cup split red lentils (toor dal)
1/2 cup split chickpeas (chana dal)
1/4 cup coriander seeds
1/4 cup cumin seeds
1/4 cup grated dried coconut
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1/2 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
Salt, to taste
2 tablespoons ghee or oil
1. Heat a pan over medium heat and dry roast the split red lentils and split chickpeas until fragrant and lightly browned.
2. In the same pan, add the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and grated dried coconut. Roast for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Add the sesame seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and asafoetida to the pan. Roast for 1 minute.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool completely.
5. Grind the roasted mixture into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
6. Sift the powder through a fine mesh to remove any lumps.
7. Store the podi in an airtight container.
8. To serve, mix 1-2 teaspoons of the podi with a small amount of ghee or oil and enjoy with dosa, idly, or rice.
- For an extra crispy texture, roast the lentils and chickpeas for a few minutes longer. - Experiment with different types of chili powder to adjust the spice level to your liking. - Great for secret kitchen adventures - just like I used to have when I'd sneak into the kitchen to make a quick podi snack, you can now enjoy this delicious treat whenever you want, and maybe even sneak a few bites when no one's looking! Perfect as a quick breakfast or snack to pair with your favorite South Indian dishes.