Ellu Podi Recipe | Sesame Powder Recipe

Ellu Podi is a flavourful condiment made by grinding roasted lentils, sesame seeds and spices. The powder comes out slightly coarse with nice crunch and aroma. It is used as a side for idli and dosa by mixing it with oil or you can also add this in hot rice along with ghee.

The ingredients are roasted separately and then grind together to make this powder. Each ingredient is roasted to golden brown colour and brings out nice flavour. The curry leaves adds aroma and the spices bring warmth to the powder.

About Ellu Podi

Ellu Podi is made by roasting urad dal, chana dal, sesame seeds, red chillies, kashmiri chilli, curry leaves and hing. When you roast each ingredient it brings out different flavours. The sesame seeds becomes fragrant and pops up when they are ready. The lentils turn golden and adds nutty taste.

The texture comes out slightly coarse because you grind everything together. This coarse texture feels nice on idli, dosa and adds crunch to every bite. When you mix this powder with oil it coats the rice or idli nicely.

The red chillies and kashmiri chilli brings heat and colour to the powder. The hing adds depth and spice to every spoonful. The curry leaves brings freshness and aroma. The powder stays dry and crispy when stored properly in an airtight container.

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Ellu Podi Ingredients

• Urad dal – I used urad dal for the base. It is roasted till golden brown and adds nutty flavour.
• Sesame seeds – I used sesame seeds for main flavour. They pop up when roasted and brings nice aroma.
• Chana dal – I used chana dal along with other lentils. It add crunch.
• Red chillies – I used red chillies for heat. They bring spice and colour to the powder.
• Kashmiri chilli – I added kashmiri chilli. It brings mild spice and nice colour.
• Curry leaves – I used fresh curry leaves. They get roasted till crisp and adds aroma.
• Hing – I added pinch of hing. It brings depth and spice to the powder.
• Salt – I used salt to taste. Add according to your preference.

How to make Sesame Podi Step by Step

1.Dry roast urad dal till golden brown, set aside. Now add chana dal and red chillies.

2.Roast till its golden brown in colour, set aside. Now add sesame seeds and roast till it pops up and is golden, Set aside.

3.Add curry leaves and roast until its crisp. Cool down the ingredients completely then transfer to a mixer jar. Add required salt.

4.Add hing and grind to a slightly coarse mixture.

Cool down then store in a dry airtight container. Serve with idli or dosa with gingelly oil.

Expert Tips

• Roast separately – I roast each ingredient separately so that everything gets roasted well. This helps flavours develop nicely and nothing gets burnt.
• Check colour – I watch closely while roasting lentils and seeds. They should turn golden brown and start to pop up.
• Cool completely – I cool down all roasted ingredients completely before grinding. Hot ingredients are difficult to grind and might loose aroma.
• Grind to coarse mixture – I grind to slightly coarse texture and not to a fine powder. This gives nice crunch and texture to the powder.
• Add hing at end – I add hing after roasting and before grinding. This helps flavour spread evenly.
• Grinding – I grind without oil so powder stay dry. You add oil while serving based on how you like it.

Serving and Storage

Serve ellu podi with idli and dosa by mixing with oil or ghee. Add required salt and mix well before serving. Store in airtight container at room temperature and it stays good for two to three weeks without any problem.

FAQS

1. Can I use black sesame seeds?

Yes you can use black sesame seeds instead of white. The flavour and texture will be similar.

2. Can I reduce the spice level?

Yes you can use less red chillies and skip kashmiri chilli if you prefer mild taste.

3. How do I know when sesame seeds are roasted properly?

They pop up and turn golden brown. Once they start popping that is the right stage to remove from pan.

4. Can I add other spices?

You can add cumin seeds or coriander seeds if you like but keep the basic recipe same.

5. How long does it stay fresh?

Ellu Podi stay good for two to three weeks in airtight container at room temperature. Keep away from moisture.

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