What is Idli Podi?
Idli podi, affectionately known as "gunpowder" in some regions, is a treasure of South Indian cuisine. Crafted from roasted lentils, dried red chilies, and a blend of aromatic spices, this dry condiment is a flavor sensation. The lentils, such as urad dal and chana dal, are roasted to a glorious golden hue, while the chilies, sesame seeds, asafoetida, and salt join the symphony of flavors. Once roasted and cooled, they unite to create a textured powder that is both savory and spicy, with hints of nuttiness and a subtle smokiness. Idli podi's versatility knows no bounds; traditionally enjoyed alongside idli and dosa, it's a zesty companion to South Indian staples. However, its culinary prowess extends far beyond tradition. Sprinkle it on popcorn, use it as a rub for grilled delights, or stir it into soups and stews to elevate flavors. With a long shelf life, it's a dependable pantry staple, ready to ignite your culinary creativity and bring a taste of South India to your dishes.
Ingredients
Yellow Urad Dal, also called yellow lentils are type of legume. The legume is hulled and split in half, so that one side of the tiny lentil is flat and the other is domed. Yellow urad dal is hard when dry, once cooked it becomes soft and has a texture that is both meaty and starchy. The flavor is mild, nutty and somewhat bland on its own. For this reason it pairs well with spices and seasonings.
There are many varieties of chili peppers. They are a small, hot pepper. The pepper is dried and ground into a fine powder, that varies in shades of red. Chili powder is a spice blend popular in American and Latin-American cooking. It is usually made from ancho chilies, paprika, oregano and cumin, other spices may be added. It is used in many protein dishes and has a spicy and herbal flavor.
Asafoetida is a spice, commonly used in Indian cuisine. Asafoetida is sold as a powder and sometimes as a paste. Its smell is pungent and and its color is a pale yellow. The flavor lends to dishes and creates a satisfying taste that is similar to the effect that garlic and onions give in boosting the flavor of a dish.
Garlic is used in cuisines around the world and is extremely popular for its depth of flavor. The garlic bulb forms underneath the soil and is harvested once it reaches maturity. The bulb typically has thin, dry, white and flaky skin, surrounding the individual cloves. Often there are 10-12 cloves to a bulb/head of garlic. The cloves are cream colored with a strong smell and flavor that is spicy and sharp. Garlic takes on a nutty flavor in addition, when cooked. It is used in countless dishes, sauces, breads and more.
Salt is a mineral composed mostly of sodium chloride. It is the main flavoring used in food and is naturally occurring in certain foods, such as cheese, beets, meat and celery, plus many others. Salt is white and has finer granules than sugar. Many commercial salts include iodide, while others exclude it. Most salts are white, while some are naturally pale pink with minerals. Salt brings out the flavor of something and can create a tangy mouthfeel, if used in excess.
There are many varieties of curry powder. One of the most common ones is made from a mixture of coriander, cumin, black pepper, turmeric, mustard and cinnamon. The spices vary, but the first four of these spices are almost always present in a curry powder. The powder is fine and light and ranges from golden to brown or orange. The flavors are spicy, bright, earthy and sometimes sweet. Curry powder is added to many Indian dishes to give a delicious complexity of tastes.
Canola oil is a popular and readily available oil in America, due to its inexpensive price and neutral flavor. Canola oil comes from the rapeseed plant, the oil is pressed from the seeds and has a yellow color. It is a thin oil that is best for medium high heat, such as sautéing, though is commonly used for deep frying. Canola can be found in baked good, salad dressings, and a vast variety of food products.
