Idli podi

It is famously known as 'Idli milagai podi', a favourite of my Sonu (sweet hubby). Whatever dish u bring in, he says 'Ammu, podi di..'!! Let it be, idli or rava upma or even curd rice for that matter!! Its his favourite n simply needs to be at home alltime.

So its one among my many duties to check that damn 'podi dubba' n re fill it n keep it filled always. Now let me just tell u the secret recipe of that podi..hehe, no secret its world famous, but only thing is this podi may be slightly different from others, since we add til to it. Its the typical brahmin version, I would say!!Oh, while at it, let me just tell u, how much ever I try my level best, I cannot bring the Kai manam* of my Mil into it..

ok, back to business!! U will need:

Urad dhal - 1cup

Red chillies - 6 to 8 (can be increased if u need it real hot)

Toor dhal - 1/2 cup

Red gram - A handful

Asafoetida - li'l

Til seeds - 3/4 cup

Tamarind - a li'l (Paste can also be used)

Jaggery - 1/2 a thumb size or a small piece

salt - To taste

Prep:

Heat a kadai/pan and add the urad dhal to it and saute it dry adding just 2drops of oil to it. Allow it to fry n change to a slight Golden colour and a nice aroma fills the kitchen. Change it to a seperate plate.

Saute the Toor dhal n red gram in the same manner. (dont wait for the aroma or u might burn the grams.)

Now put the red chillies and saute for 2-3mins. keep in a separate dish.

Now finally the same with the til seeds as well.

Let them all cool down. Now put all the above said in the mixie jar and add the asafoetida, jaggery and salt and grind well until u get it to a dry powder consistency. Lo! ur podi is ready!!

U can have this with idli, dosa, or even mix it to rice with a li'l of gingelly oil and its yummy...

Being with my hubby, its now needless to say that its become my fav as well... :))

* Kai manam - can be said as the special oldtime touch or taste by elders..