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Chettinad Milagai Chutney Recipe

4 December 2025 at 19:42

Chettinad Milagai Chutney is a spicy side dish made using dry chillies, garlic, small onion, tamarind and few basic spices. This milagai chutney recipe is Chettinad style perfect to relish with paniyaram, idli, dosa, uttapam etc. Chettinad Dry Chilli Chutney is simple and quick to make in minutes.

chettinad style milagai chutney served with idli

This chutney follows Chettinad style, so the flavor is bit stronger than the usual milagai chutney we make often. It lifts even a plain idli and makes it feel special. It tastes too good with paniyaram also because the spicy-sour taste balances well with the soft batter.Β 

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About Vara Milagai Chutney

Vara Milagai Chutney is a classic and popular red chilli chutney known for its bright color and simple rustic taste. This chutney is traditionally served wihVella Paniyaram in Chettinad homes. The dry chili, onion garlic paste is kept little coarse, so the texture feels more natural. The bright red color comes mostly from the mix of chillies. It cooks fast also, so it really helps on busy mornings.

It tastes bold, has good flavor, and goes well with almost any South Indian tiffin we make often. As it cooks, the raw smell slowly fades and the chutney becomes a deep red mix. Some versions add garlic or skip tomato, but the taste stays close to the traditional one only.

There are version using tomatoes in this chutney but the traditionally tomatoes are not used. But it is your preference if you want to reduce the heat then you can add tomatoes while grinding and make this chutney too.

You can adjust this chutney based on what you like. For a brighter color, add few more Kashmiri chillies. For sharper taste, increase regular chillies little. A pinch of jaggery also balances heat if you prefer mild. Small changes bring slightly new taste but the main chilli flavor stays the hero.

I usually make this chutney whenever we plan dosa or idli for brunch. It needs very little chopping and comes together so quick If you like chutneys with small punch but still homely, this one fits daily meals nicely.Β 

Vara Milagai Chutney is one of those quick chutneys I make when I don't want to spend too much time in kitchen but still need something tasty for dosa or idli. We love it with soft hot idlis.

chettinad style milagai chutney served with idli

Chettinad Milagai Chutney Video

Vara Milagai Chutney Ingredients

  • Red chillies - I have used these for heat since they give that sharp spicy taste. You can reduce it if you want milder chutney.
  • Kashmiri red chillies - I added this mainly for color because it gives a nice deep red look. You can use only regular chillies also, but then the color comes a bit darker.
  • Small onion - I have used this for the base flavor, it gives a mild sweetness and blends well with the chillies. You can add regular onion if you don't have small ones.
  • Garlic - This adds great taste and flavor.
  • Tamarind - I added a small piece for slight tanginess which balance the spice nicely. You can add little more if you like extra sour taste.
  • Gingelly oil - I used this for tempering since it gives a lovely aroma and that usual traditional taste. If you don't have it, you can add little coconut oil also.
  • Mustard seeds - This is added for tempering and gives a light nuttiness when it splutters. You can skip if you don't like mustard flavor.
  • Curry leaves - This gives a fresh smell and blends so well with gingelly oil. You can add more leaves if you like stronger flavor.
ingredients needed. to make milagai chutney

Similar Recipes

How to make Chettinad Milagai Chutney Step by Step

1.To a mixer jar add 10 kashmiri red chilies along with 5 regular red chilies.

add chilies to mixer

2.Add 15 small onion.

add small onion

3.Add 10 garlic cloves.

add garlic

4.Add rock salt to taste.

5.Add 1 teaspoon tamarind.

add tamarind

6.Add little water and grind it slightly coarse.

add water and grind it coarse

7.Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil - add 1 teaspoon mustard seeds let it splutter then add few curry leaves, let it splutter.

temper in oil

8.Add the prepared chili paste.

add chili paste

9.Saute well.

saute well

10.Cook for 5-7 minutes or until raw smell leaves.

cook for few minutes

11.Finally add 1 tablespoon sesame oil.

add sesame oil

12.Mix it well and switch off.

mix well, switch off

Chettinad style raw milagai chutney is ready.

chettinad style milagai chutney served with idli

Expert Tips

  • Grind texture - I grind the mixture slightly coarse as it gives better taste and rustic feel. Smooth grinding changes the flavor.
  • Oil quantity - I usually add little extra gingelly oil because this chutney tastes better when oil shows up. Try not to reduce it too much.
  • Cooking time - I cook till the raw smell goes fully, otherwise the chutney tastes harsh. Let it simmer slowly.
  • Chilli mix - Try mixing both regular and Kashmiri chillies as it gives the right color and heat. Only regular chillies make it too spicy.
  • Storage - Keep the chutney a little thick if you want to store it, thinner consistency doesn't stay fresh for long.
  • Balance - Add 1 teaspoon sugar for a tangy taste and balance.

Serving and Storage

Serve this chutney hot with idli, dosa, uthappam or even kuzhi paniyaram. It also goes nice with curd dosa or even chapathi if you enjoy a spicy side. Store the chutney in a tight jar and keep it in fridge. It stays good for around two days. You can warm it a bit before serving, just don't heat too much otherwise the color turns little dark.

FAQS

1.Can I add tomato?

Yes, you can add 1 tomato while grinding but chutney becomes less spcy. Traditionally tomatoes are not used for this chutney.

2.Can I make with Kashmiri chillies alone?

Yes you can, but then the chutney won't be much spicy, so adjust it how you like.

3.Can I add big onion?

Yes, you can add big onion but small onion adds more taste.

4.Can I make this chutney in advance?

Yes, it keeps well in fridge for two days. Just reheat a little before using.

5.Why sesame oil?

It gives the best flavor for this chutney, and it matches the chili taste so well.

chettinad style milagai chutney served with idli

If you have any more questions about this Milagai Chutney RecipeΒ do mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. In addition, follow me on Instagram,Β Facebook,Β PinterestΒ ,YoutubeΒ andΒ TwitterΒ .

Tried this Milagai Chutney Recipe? Do let me know how you liked it. Also tag us on Instagram @sharmispassions and hash tag it on #sharmispassions.

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Chettinad Milagai Chutney Recipe

Chettinad Milagai Chutney is a spicy side dish made using dry chillies, garlic, small onion, tamarind and few basic spices. This milagai chutney recipe is Chettinad style perfect to relish with paniyaram, idli, dosa, uttapam etc. Chettinad Dry Chilli Chutney is simple and quick to make in minutes.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Indian
Keyword 30 mins recipes, chettinad, chilli recipes, chutney recipes, dosa sidedish, idli side dish, oothapam kara chutney, Side Dish
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 150kcal
Author Sharmilee J

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 10 kashmiri red chilies
  • 5 red chilies
  • 15 small onion
  • 10 garlic
  • 1 teaspoon tamarind
  • rock salt to taste

To temper:

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • few curry leaves

Instructions

  • To a mixer jar add 10 kashmiri red chilies along with 5 regular red chilies.
  • Add 15 small onion.
  • Add 10 garlic cloves.
  • Add rock salt to taste.
  • Add 1 teaspoon tamarind.
  • Add little water and grind it slightly coarse.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil - add 1 teaspoon mustard seeds let it splutter then add few curry leaves, let it splutter.
  • Add the prepared chili paste.
  • Saute well.
  • Cook for 5-7 minutes or until raw smell leaves.
  • Finally add 1 tablespoon sesame oil.
  • Mix it well and switch off.
  • Chettinad style raw milagai chutney is ready.

Video

Notes

  • Grind texture - I grind the mixture slightly coarse as it gives better taste and rustic feel. Smooth grinding changes the flavor.
  • Oil quantity - I usually add little extra gingelly oil because this chutney tastes better when oil shows up. Try not to reduce it too much.
  • Cooking time - I cook till the raw smell goes fully, otherwise the chutney tastes harsh. Let it simmer slowly.
  • Chilli mix - Try mixing both regular and Kashmiri chillies as it gives the right color and heat. Only regular chillies make it too spicy.
  • Storage - Keep the chutney a little thick if you want to store it, thinner consistency doesn't stay fresh for long.
  • Balance - Add 1 teaspoon sugar for a tangy taste and balance.

Nutrition

Serving: 40g | Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 389mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 728IU | Vitamin C: 192mg | Calcium: 71mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Chettinad Milagai Chutney Recipe appeared first on Sharmis Passions.

Thengai Podi Recipe | Coconut Podi Recipe

22 November 2025 at 21:30

Thengai Podi is a simple coconut spice powder that serves as a great side dish for idli, dosa and rice. Also known as coconut podi, it has a nice roasted flavor with little bit spice, so it becomes a good choice when you want something quick on the side. It is easy to make and gives a tasty touch to a plain meal. The mix of coconut, dal and chilies gives a warm aroma that feels very tasty and comforting.

thengai podi in a small bowl

This is one of those podis you can make once and use for many days without much effort. It tastes good when mixed with ghee or even sesame oil. Since it uses dry roasted ingredients, it stores quite well also and stays fresh for long. It is a handy podi for busy mornings and also for quick weekend lunch.

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About Thengai Podi

Thengai Podi is a spiced coconut powder made by dry roasting dried coconut along with dal and spices. It is used as a side for idli, dosa, rice by mixing with ghee/ oil and is relished by all spice powder lovers. This podi is quite common in many Tamil homes and often kept ready in the kitchen shelf for easy breakfasts.

The texture is slightly coarse and not fully powdered, and that gives a nice bite when mixed with ghee or oil. Kashmiri red chilies gives color and regular chilies gives heat but not too strong so perfect to serve for kids too. Adding tamarind for a bit of tang which balances the coconut taste well. Hing also brings a sharp flavor which goes well with the roasted dal.

There are small variations for this podi like adding chana dal along with urad dal or roasting the coconut extra brown for stronger taste, adding garlic etc. The flavor is mild but still rich because the coconut gets slightly golden and gives light sweetness.

thengai podi in a small bowl with rice

Thengai Podi Video

Thengai Podi Ingredients

  • Coconut - I have used kopra (dried coconut) for more shelf life. You can use fresh grated coconut too. If using freshly grated coconut first grind all the other ingredients coarsely then add coconut and pulse it to get this texture.
  • Urad dal, Chana dal - I added whole urad dal, chana dal for roasting because it gives a nutty taste and volume to the podi.
  • Red chilies - I add Kashmiri chilies for color and regular chilies for heat. You can add more regular chilies if you want more spice.
  • Garlic - Adding garlic is purely optional but adds more flavor to the podi. Coconut with garlic combo is the best so I recommend adding it.
  • Tamarind - I have used little tamarind for mild tang which balances the coconut heaviness.
  • Hing - I have added a pinch of hing for flavor, it brings small lift to the podi.
  • Coconut oil - I have used coconut oil to roast the spices which gives a nice aroma. You can use regular oil but coconut oil suits better.
  • Rock salt - added to taste, if adding rock salt roast and add it to avoid it from letting out water.
ingredients needed to mame thengai podi

You can reduce the spice for kids and use more coconut. This is one of those podis you can adjust easily according to your liking and still it turns good. I usually make this when I have extra coconut in the fridge because this podi helps use it up nicely without wasting.

This podi serves great with rice, ghee and I love this coconut podi even with curd rice. This is such a versatile spice mix that can be used to serve as side dish.

Why This Recipe Works

  • It gives a fresh roasted flavor that tastes great with idli and dosa.
  • The podi is simple to prepare and uses basic ingredients from the kitchen only.
  • It stores well and stays good for long time since everything is roasted nicely.
  • You can adjust spice, texture or even tang based on what you like.
  • It mixes easily with ghee or oil, so even kids enjoy having it.
rice with coconut podi mixed

How to make Thengai Podi Step by Step

1.We need 1 tablespoon coconut oil in total, Add half of oil to a pan and heat it. Add Β½ cup whole urad dal, 2 tablespoon chana dal, 10 red chilies along with 6 kashmiri red chilies.

add dal, chilies

2.Roast until golden brown, Transfer to the plate and set aside.

roast until golden brown

3.To the same pan add remaining oil then 2 cups dried coconut(kopra).

add dried coconut

4.Roast until golden brown, Transfer to the plate and set aside.

roast until golden

5.Add 6 cloves small sized garlic. Roast until golden.

add garlic

6.Now add 1 teaspoon tamarind and roast for a minute. Transfer to the plate and set aside.

add tamarind

7.Add rock salt along with 1 teaspoon hing.

add rock salt, hing

8.Switch off sautΓ© for few seconds and transfer to the plate.

transfer

9.Cool down completely.

cool the items

10.Transfer to a dry mixer jar.

transfer to mixer jar

11.Grind it coarse like shown. Do not grind more as it will release oil.

grind it coarse

12.Transfer to a plate, cool down then store.

transfer to a plate

Store in airtight container and enjoy!

thengai podi in a small bowl

Expert Tips

  • Roasting coconut - I usually roast the coconut slowly in low flame so it turns golden without burning. Adding dried coconut increases shelf life.
  • Grinding texture - Grind it coarse with texture. Do not grind more as coconut will release oil making the podi sticky.
  • Using tamarind - Adds a mild tang to the podi, roast it just for few seconds.
  • Salt choice - I usually add rock salt for podi. Make sure to roast it then add for grinding to prevent form letting out water.
  • Storage - I keep this podi in clean dry jar so it stays well for many days.

Serving and Storage

Serve this with idli, dosa or even with hot rice and ghee if you like simple meals. It taste very good when mixed with warm ghee as it brings out the coconut aroma. Store this podi in airtight container and keep it dry, it stays fresh for almost a month at room temperature.

FAQS

1.Can I add fresh coconut?

Yes you can, but roast it well until golden brown to increase shelf life. But dried coconut has more shelf life.

2.Is Kashmiri chili necessary?

Not required, but it gives bright color without too much heat.

3.What others can I add?

You can add few curry leaves, Β½ teaspoon mustard seeds roast and add it for a variation.

4.Will the podi spoil fast?

No, as long you roast the coconut well and keep it dry, it stays good.

5.Can I grind finely?

You can, but the coarse texture tastes nicer with ghee.

thengai podi with rice

If you have any more questions about this Thengai Podi Recipe do mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. In addition, follow me on Instagram,Β Facebook,Β PinterestΒ ,YoutubeΒ andΒ TwitterΒ .

Tried this Thengai Podi Recipe? Do let me know how you liked it. Also tag us on Instagram @sharmispassions and hash tag it on #sharmispassions.

πŸ“– Recipe Card

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Thengai Podi Recipe | Coconut Podi Recipe

Thengai Podi is a simple coconut spice powder that serves as a great side dish for idli, dosa and rice. Also known as coconut podi, it has a nice roasted flavor with little bit spice, so it becomes a good choice when you want something quick on the side. It is easy to make and gives a tasty touch for a plain meal. The mix of coconut, dal and chilies gives a warm aroma that feels very tasty and comforting.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Indian
Keyword 30 mins recipes, coconut recipes, dosa sidedish, idli podi recipe, Idli recipes, idli side dish, Kerala Meal Sidedish, podi recipes, recipes, Side Dish
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 30
Calories 120kcal
Author Sharmilee J

Ingredients

  • 2 cups dried coconut kopra
  • Β½ cup whole urad dal
  • 2 tablespoon chana dal
  • 10 regular red chilies
  • 6 kashmiri red chillies
  • 1 teaspoon tamarind
  • 1 teaspoon hing
  • 6 small cloves garlic
  • rock salt / salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions

  • We need 1 tablespoon coconut oil in total, Add half of oil to a pan and heat it. Add Β½ cup whole urad dal, 2 tablespoon chana dal, 10 red chilies along with 6 kashmiri red chilies.
  • Roast until golden brown, Transfer to the plate and set aside.
  • To the same pan add remaining oil then 2 cups dried coconut(kopra).
  • Roast until golden brown, Transfer to the plate and set aside.
  • Add 6 cloves small sized garlic. Roast until golden.
  • Now add 1 teaspoon tamarind and roast for a minute. Transfer to the plate and set aside.
  • Add rock salt along with 1 teaspoon hing.
  • Switch off sautΓ© for few seconds and transfer to the plate.
  • Cool down completely.
  • Transfer to a dry mixer jar.
  • Grind it coarse like show. Do not grind more as it will release oil.
  • Transfer to a plate, cool down then store.

Video

Notes

  • Roasting coconut - I usually roast the coconut slowly in low flame so it turns golden without burning. Adding dried coconut increases shelf life.
  • Grinding texture - Grind it coarse with texture. Do not grind more as coconut will release oil making the podi sticky.
  • Using tamarind - Adds a mild tang to the podi, roast it just for few seconds.
  • Salt choice - I usually add rock salt for podi. Make sure to roast it then add for grinding to prevent form letting out water.
  • Storage - I keep this podi in clean dry jar so it stays well for many days.

Nutrition

Serving: 20g | Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 90mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Thengai Podi Recipe | Coconut Podi Recipe appeared first on Sharmis Passions.

Idli batter, How to make idli batter recipe, idli batter for soft idli

how to make idli batter at home ?

Idli batter is prepared with idli rice and urad dal. In south India, vegetarian recipes index without idli dosa with sambar is incomplete. Idli recipe and dosa recipe has very important place in South India . IR 20 rice variety or vellaikar rice are best rice for idli. soft idli recipe goes well with coconut chutney, sambar, Kara chutney and tomato chutney

Idli ingredients:

  • Idly rice (vellaikar rice) – 1 kilogram
  • Ponni rice – Β½ kilogram
  • Black Urad dal – 175 gram
  • White urad dal – 75 gram
  • Fenugreek seeds – 2 spoons
  • Water to soak and grind idly batter

Steps to grinding idli batter/ making batter :

  • To Begin soak idli rice in a bowl for minimum 4 hours
  • Soak white and black urad dal separately for 4 hours (add fenugreeks seeds in last 15 minutes).
  • After 4 hours, wash white urad dal two times and keep it aside.
  • Mean while take a black urad dal then remove black part of the urad dal and keep it a side.
  • Now put both urad dal in to grinder (table top grinder is best grinder for dosa batter preparation), and then grind up to 20 to 30 minutes till urad dal become fluffy.
  • At middle interval add ice cubes instead of water in urad dal, it will increase quantity of urad dal and reduce grinding heat.
  • Take a idli batter container and pour urad dal batter, and then pour washed rice in grinder and grind up to light semi coarse consistency by adding little amount of water(should not add too much water. consistency should be light thick).
  • Next mix urad dal batter and rice batter with required salt and ferment up to minimum 10 hours.
  • Once fermentation completed mix again and well and keep it a side.
  • The perfect batter is ready to make soft and spongy idllies.
  • idli batter proportion : vellaikar rice 1 Kg + Ponni rice 500 gram : Black urad dal 175 Gram + White urad dal 75 Gram.

Tips:

  • idli sambar recipe with chutney is very popular Indian break fast recipe
  • Are idli and dosa batter same :To make dosa batter recipe add little amount of water and make dosa. (Don’t add too much water; it will be semi flowing consistency)
  • If you want dosa very crispy means add 1:1 ratio of ponni rice and ration rice.
  • Otherwise you can also use aval (Flattened rice) for making dosa as crispy. (Probably 1 cup of aval)
  • some people preparing idli dosa batter recipe with mixie

Frequently asked questions:

  • how long should idli batter ferment: The dough prepared for makingΒ idli rises when kept overnightΒ because of the production of carbon dioxide gas in it. This gas is produced as a byproduct of process of fermentation (anaerobic respiration/respiration in absence of oxygen) inΒ batterΒ of black lentils or rice which is used to cook idli.
  • what to do if idli batter is not fermented: You can leave it for couple more hours in the open. Mix theΒ batterΒ and leave it in a warm place.
  • visit to know learn how to Mini Sambar Idly recipe
  • Visit for idly maavu recipe in tamil=> idli batter preparation in tamil

The post Idli batter, How to make idli batter recipe, idli batter for soft idli appeared first on Famous Indian Recipes.

Ellu podi | dry til chutney

13 January 2023 at 15:00
ellu podi | til chutney

Dry til chutney or ellu podi is a common accompaniment on the side of a home-style thali. This dry condiment is a melange of lentils and sesame seeds with spices. Make some of this vegan, gluten-free ellu podi to complement your meals.

Molagapodi or the dry chutney that is used with dosa or idly comes in many flavours like garlic chutney podi and dhaniya podi. This adds a lot of variety to the same breakfasts that we make day after day or the simple home-style lunch. Also, it is one with a fantastic shelf life, thereby a boon to providing some relief to busy mornings. Here is another one that is handy, ellu podi.

Black and white sesame seeds

Sesame seeds are one of the tiniest ingredients that are common in the Indian kitchen. In fact, it is one of the hardest to harvest due to its size too. In the Asian markets, both black and white seeds are available. Both varieties of oil-rich seeds are rich in iron and calcium. Black sesame seeds are explored for their ability to reduce oxidative stress.

Hulled and unhulled sesame seeds

The polishing process at times removes the edible outer coating of the sesame seeds. This is the Hulled sesame seeds. If the outer coat is intact, it is unhulled. Nutritionally they are not very different. In addition, both hulled and unhulled seeds are equally edible roasted or raw. The hulled ones are brighter white and the unhulled white sesame seeds are slightly browned.

Ingredients for this til chutney

Sesame seeds- for this recipe I have used unhulled white sesame seeds. You can use black ones too and the podi looks much darker in colour. Upon roasting the sesame seeds have pop slightly and release the oils. upon grinding if the til chutney looks too oily roast some more of the lentils and adjust to form a dry powder.

Black gram dal- Urad dal or ulundu parippu is the base of most molagapodis. The skinned version is roasted and powdered. If using black sesame seeds, you can use the skinned black ones too. Roast well till they turn golden or aromatic.

Chickpea Dal-Bengal gram or kadala parippu is roasted separately and powdered with the urad dal. These two form the lentil base for most molagapodis. Roasted till slightly deeper brown the dal is crunchy and easy to powder.

Curry leaves- you can’t miss out on the karivepelai to give the classic ellu podi aroma. Add a handful if you have one. Dried ones will work well too, slightly roast before powdering.

Red chillies: depending on the spice levels you prefer can use a couple of different varieties here. The bydige or Kashmir red chilli adds a deep red colour without adding all that heat. Whereas the Guntur varieties give lighter red colour with a lot more pungent heat packed in. The ellu podi in the picture has bydige as I am not a huge fan of the heat.

Salt: Seasoning with salt is an absolute must to flavour and keep a good shelf life for the powder.

Hot tip:

On the first day, the salt doesn’t flavour well as the fresh ground chillies take over the flavour. However, taste test the next day to adjust the salt levels as by now the lentils will start absorbing the flavours and the pungent heat is slightly toned down.

Steps to make the dry til chutney

Roasting: dry and slow roasting of each ingredient ensures that the lentils are cooked and also that they can be powdered well. The sesame seeds crackle when roasted releasing the oil needed to bring the powder together. Each ingredient has a different time to roast, so have to be done separately.
Grinding: A spice mill or a coffee grinder can powder the spice mix. Powder the lentils and seasoning separately and then mix them well together. At times the sesame seeds will become mushy upon grinding as they release a lot of oil. Add a tablespoon or two of the lentil mix and grind further to reduce the stickiness.

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Ellu podi

Ellu podi or dry til chutney is a useful condiment that you can keep in the pantry. Use it with breakfast, add it to your wraps and sandwiches, the recipe is a handy one.
Course Preserves
Cuisine gluten free, Indian, South indian, Vegan, Vegetarian
Keyword chutneys and podi, Indian vegetarian dinner, Roasted recipes, vegan, Winter warmers
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
cool and powder 20 minutes
Servings 1 small bottle

Equipment

  • Kadai
  • spatula
  • measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Urad Dal
  • 1/4 cup Channa Dal
  • 1/2 cup sesame seeds
  • 20 curry leaves
  • 10 dry red chillies
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  • Set the kadai on low heat and let it come to warmth.
  • Now add the sesame seeds and let it roast gently.
  • When the seeds start popping and turn golden brown, remove from heat and set it aside to cool.
  • The kadai now has an oil coating which can be used to roast the urad dal .
  • When the dal is golden brown remove and add to the plate to cool.
  • Roast the channa dal the same way.
  • Now add red chillies and curry leaves to roast and till the curry leaves are crispy.
  • Remove and let it cool a bit,
  • Powder each ingredient and add into a mixing bowl.
  • Mix all the ingredients together and add salt to taste.
  • Once the mix is cool, taste test and store in airtight bottles.
  • The ellu podi is now ready to use.
    ellu podi | til chutney

Storing the ellu molagapodi

The til chutney will become rancid if exposed to air much faster. If you are making a batch store it in an airtight bottle on the countertop for about 15 days.Β  Use a dry spoon to serve it. If keeping for a bigger batch keep it in the fridge to slow down the loss of flavour.

Serving ideas for the til chutney

With lunch thali- The dry til chutney can replace the thogayal in the classic south Indian thali meal. It provides a lovely pickle kind of side to add flavour to the dishes.
With idly and dosa- Just like using molagapodi, Ellu podi can be used to dip the idlis and dosas to have. You can add a touch of oil to make a paste that can be smeared on the idlies.
Make a thogayal- Add two or three tbsp of warm water to about the same quantity of til chutney powder and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This will form a thick soft chutney. Further you can dilute it with water if needed.
In variety rice- Just like we make pickle masala rice, sprinkle the chutney podi on the stirfrying leftover rice and make a delightful ellu rice. You can add a tempering of mustard seeds and garnish with coriander leaves to make it more flavourful.
In parathas- Add a tablespoon of til chutney to the atta before kneading it and mix well. This gives a unique flavour to the paratha when cooked, yet cannot be seen much.
Add to sandwiches and wraps– Use the til chutney in your rolls, wraps and sandwiches as this dry spice mix will add flavour without going soggy. Add cooked and drained beans, herbs, or a basic salad to the wrap to make it filling. Smear a bit of the paste-like ellu podi on the slices of bread and make a basic tomato-cucumber sandwich, it tastes amazing.

Collaborations

Recipe challenge

The dry til chutney recipe is added to the A_Z collection of recipes for the Alphabet T. Sesame seeds are Til in Hindi and this long-stay chutney is what I chose to showcase.

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Til chutney Ellu podi
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