2tablespoonsRoasted Chana dal (Putnala pappu/ dalia)
1½teaspoonsRaw Rice
1½teaspoonsSesame seeds
1½teaspoonsPoppy seeds
1½teaspoonsDry grated Coconut
4~6Dry Red chilies
4~6Curry leaves
⅛teaspoonAsafoetida (hing)
2teaspoonsTamarind
1teaspoonOil
To tasteSalt
Other Ingredients:
As neededIdli Batter, to make idli
1tablespoonGhee
1tablespoonSesame oil
1tablespoonUrad dal
2tablespoonsPeanuts
1tablespoonCashews
6~8Curry leaves
2tablespoonsCilantro, finely chopped
Instructions
Make Podi/ Spice powder:
In a medium size pan on medium pan, dry roast chana & urad dal, dalia, raw rice, sesame seeds, poppy seeds and grated coconut and curry leaves. Stirring constantly, roast until lightly browned and aromatic. Remove into a bowl and allow to cool.In the same pan, heat oil and roast red chilies until lightly browned but not burnt. Let cool.Once all the ingredients are cool, grind them into a powder along with salt, hing and tamarind. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Make Idli:
Pour slightly less batter into the idli molds to make smaller size idli or use a button idli mold. Steam idli and keep ready.
Make Podi Idly:
In a small skillet on medium flame, heat ghee and sesame oil. Add urad dal, peanuts, cashews, curry leaves and cook till the seeds are golden.
Place hot idli in a wide bowl. Sprinkle karam powder evenly and generously over idli. Add the tempering on top and gently toss everything to combine all the ingredients. Serve right away with chutney and sambar.
Video
Notes
My idli karam podi recipe makes a small batch. You can double or triple the amounts to make a bigger batch. Store in an airtight container and use as needed for up to 2 months.
If you like your spice powder spicy, add more dry red chilies.
Make sure to use a clean, dry spoon every time you take some spice powder out.
Either make button idli or pour less batter into the mold to make smaller idli.
For best taste, serve the podi idly hot immediately after making it.