Charupodi

Charupodi, also known as Molaga Podi or Gunpowder, is a versatile South Indian spice powder that adds a burst of flavor to various dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried red chilies (spicy variety), stems removed
• 1/2 cup split black gram dal (urad dal)
• 1/4 cup Bengal gram dal (chana dal)
• 1/4 cup dried curry leaves
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon oil

Instructions:

1. Dry Roast Ingredients:

   • Heat a pan over medium heat and dry roast the dried red chilies until they become crisp and aromatic. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
   • In the same pan, dry roast the split black gram dal and Bengal gram dal until they turn golden brown and fragrant. Remove and set aside.
   • Dry roast the dried curry leaves until they become crisp. Remove and set aside.
   • Dry roast the sesame seeds until they start to pop and turn golden brown. Remove and set aside.

2. Grind Ingredients:

   • Once all the roasted ingredients have cooled down, transfer them to a blender or spice grinder.
   • Add asafoetida (hing) and salt to the blender.
   • Grind all the ingredients together into a coarse powder. Make sure not to grind them into a fine powder; some texture should remain.
   • Be cautious while grinding, as the mixture may become hot and release steam.

3. Temper:

   • Heat oil in a small pan. Once hot, pour it over the ground spice powder and mix well. This step helps to preserve the freshness of the powder.

4. Cool and Store:

   • Allow the Charupodi to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
   • Store it in a cool, dry place. It stays fresh for several weeks when stored properly.

Usage:

• Charupodi can be served with idli, dosa, uttapam, or rice along with ghee or oil.
• It can also be sprinkled on yogurt or used as a seasoning for various stir-fries and curries.
• Adjust the quantity of red chilies according to your spice preference. You can use a combination of spicy and mild red chilies for a balanced flavor.
• Feel free to customize the recipe by adding roasted peanuts or coconut for added texture and flavor.

Enjoy the homemade Charupodi to enhance the taste of your favorite South Indian dishes!