Kandi podi, also known as gunpowder or chutney powder, is a popular spice blend from South India. It is typically made from roasted lentils, red chili powder, garlic, and other spices, which are then ground together into a fine powder.
To make this recipe, first, the lentils are roasted until they turn golden brown and release a nutty aroma. Then, the red chili powder and other spices, such as cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and sesame seeds, are added and roasted until fragrant. Finally, the mixture is allowed to cool and then ground into a fine powder.
Kandi podi is usually served as a condiment or seasoning to add flavor and heat to various dishes, such as rice, dosas, idlis, and vegetables. It can also be mixed with oil or ghee and used as a spread on bread or crackers.
Ingredients for kandi podi:
- 1 cup urad dal (split black gram)
- 10-12 dried red chili peppers
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons cumin seeds
- 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida powder
- 6-8 garlic cloves
- Salt, to taste
Instructions for kandi podi:
- Heat a pan over medium heat and dry roast the urad dal until it turns golden brown. Transfer the roasted dal to a bowl and set it aside.
- In the same pan, roast the dried red chili peppers until they turn slightly dark and fragrant. Add them to the bowl with the roasted dal.
- Next, roast the sesame seeds until they turn golden brown and add them to the same bowl.
- Roast the cumin and coriander seeds until they turn slightly darker and release their aroma. Add them to the bowl as well.
- Add the garlic cloves to the pan and roast them until they turn slightly brown. Add them to the bowl with the other roasted ingredients.
- Add the asafoetida powder and salt to the bowl.
- Let all the roasted ingredients cool completely.
- Once cooled, transfer everything to a mixer grinder and grind everything to a fine powder.
- Store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
Kandi podi can be enjoyed as a condiment, a seasoning, or spread on bread or crackers. Enjoy!
Serving suggestions
- As a condiment: Sprinkle a little kandi podi on your favorite South Indian dishes, such as idli, dosa, or vada. It adds a spicy kick and a nutty flavor. Mix a little it with hot rice and ghee or oil to make a simple and flavorful rice dish. You can also add it to sautéed vegetables or lentils for added flavor.
- Mix kandi podi with yogurt or sour cream to make a spicy dip that goes well with chips, crackers, or vegetables.
- You can also Mix it with butter or oil and spread it on bread or toast for a quick and easy snack.
Tips and variations
- Adjust the spice level: The number of red chili peppers used in the recipe can be adjusted based on your preference for spiciness. You can also remove the seeds from the chili peppers to reduce the heat level.
- Roast the ingredients well: Make sure to roast the lentils, spices, and garlic well to bring out their flavors and aromas.
- Use fresh ingredients: Make sure to use fresh ingredients to ensure the best flavor and aroma. Old or stale ingredients can affect the taste of the final product.
- Add curry leaves: Some people like to add a handful of fresh curry leaves to the mixture while grinding it. This adds a fresh and aromatic flavor to the spice blend.
- Add peanuts: You can also add roasted peanuts to the mixture for a nutty flavor and texture. Just roast the peanuts along with the lentils and grind them together.
- Use different lentils: Instead of urad dal, you can use chana dal (split chickpeas) or a combination of different lentils. This will give the spice blend a slightly different flavor and texture.
FAQs
- How is kandi podi used?
Kandi podi is usually served as a condiment or seasoning to add flavor and heat to various dishes, such as rice, dosas, idlis, and vegetables. It can also be mixed with oil or ghee and used as a spread on bread or crackers.
- Is kandi podi spicy?
Yes, it is spicy. The amount of red chili peppers used in the recipe can be adjusted based on your preference for spiciness. However, it is generally a spicy condiment.
- How long does kandi podi last?
It can last several months if stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Can kandi podi be made in advance?
Yes, it can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This makes it a convenient condiment to have on hand for quick meals.
- Is kandi podi healthy?
It is made from lentils and spices, which are both healthy ingredients. However, it is usually consumed in small quantities as a condiment or seasoning, so it does not provide significant nutritional value on its own.
Nutrition
Here are the nutrition facts for 1 tablespoon (9g) of kandi podi:
- Calories: 38
- Fat: 1.8g
- Carbohydrates: 4.9g
- Fiber: 1.8g
- Protein: 1.4g
It is a good source of fiber and protein due to the lentils used in the recipe. However, it also contains some fat and carbohydrates, mainly from the addition of oil and spices. As with any condiment, it is best to consume kandi podi in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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