DISH NAME : KARUPPU ELLU PODI (BLACK SESAME SEED POWDER)

Preparation Time : 10 minute

Cooking Time : 15 minutes

Description

Karuppu ellu podi , is a coarse spice powder which is a mixture of ground dried chilis, black gram dal, tamarind, salt and sesame seeds, sesame seeds being the most important ingredient. This powder, is mixed with either coconut or sesame oil to be eaten with idlis and dosas. This powder can also be used with hot rice with a drizzle of ghee. Sesame seeds has a lot of health benefits.

Note

1) You can increase the number of chillies according to your spice tolerance. I used kashmiri chillies as my spice tolerance level is low.
2) The sesame seeds used here are black, non hulled variety. They are the ones that have health benefits.
3) Black gram is added to give body and also as sesame seed is an oil seed, it will leave out a lot of oil while grinding and will turn into a lumpy mess. I used whole black gram with skin. You can use either de skinned or halved dal with skin. Some people also add chana dal.
4) These type of powders are ground coarsely. Fine powdering will not give a good taste.
4) Sesame seed will turn rancid soon.

Method

1) Heat oil.
2) Add black gram dal. Roast till golden brown.
Remove from oil and keep aside.
3) Add chillies and fry till done. Remove from oil.
4) Add chana dal and fry till done, remove from oil.
5) Fry garlic till light golden . Remove and keep aside.
6) Fry curry leaves till they crisp up. Remove.
7) Lastly fry sesame seeds till they pop. Remove .
8) Lastly warm tamarind. Put off fire
9) When all ingredients are slightly cool, powder them coarsely.
10) Add salt and asafoetida and grind.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with idlis and dosas after mixing with either coconut oil or sesame oil. When serving with rice ( rice should be hot), add powder onto rice and drizzle with ghee.