If you’re a fan of traditional South Indian cuisine, you’ve probably heard of paruppu podi or kandi podi. This dry powder made from roasted lentils, spices, and herbs is a staple in many households and is often enjoyed with rice or as a condiment with various dishes. Today, I’m sharing a delicious recipe with a unique twist on this classic dish – Walnut Podi!
Walnut Podi
Equipment
- 1 Mixer Grinder or Blender
- 1 Sauté Pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup roasted gram dal
- 1 tbsp cumin seeds
- 5-6 dried red chilies
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- 1 tsp gingelly oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Start by roasting the walnuts and roasted gram dal together in a pan over medium heat until they turn golden brown.
- Keep stirring constantly to avoid burning. Once the walnuts and roasted gram dal are roasted, remove them from the pan and set them aside to cool.
- In the same pan, dry roast the red chilies, garlic cloves, cumin seeds, and curry leaves until they are aromatic and slightly browned.
- Let the mixture cool completely before grinding all the ingredients together into a coarse powder using a mixer grinder or food processor.
- One important tip is to pulse two to three times to avoid over-clumping, as walnuts do have a higher fat content than peanuts.
- Your delicious Walnut Podi is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve with oodles of hot ghee over rice and a side of curry.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
How to use Walnut Podi
Walnut Podi is a delicious spice blend that is commonly used in South Indian cuisine. To use Walnut Podi, simply sprinkle a small amount over your favorite dishes, such as rice and vegetables. The podi can be used as a seasoning for a wide variety of dishes and adds a unique, nutty flavor to your food.
To make the most of the flavors in the podi, it’s recommended to lightly toast it in a dry pan before use. This will help to release the flavors and aromas of the ingredients and enhance the overall taste of your dish. Experiment with different amounts of podi to find the perfect level of spice for your taste buds, and enjoy the delicious flavors of this versatile spice blend.
Exploring Variations of Paruppu Podi
Paruppu podi is a versatile dish that can be particularly customized to suit your taste buds. You can mix it with rice or even use it as a spice powder for curries. Here are two popular variations:
Paruppu Podi in Tamil Style
This version of paruppu podi uses toor dal and is popular in Tamil Nadu. Here’s the recipe:
- 1 cup toor dal
- 1/4 cup chana dal
- 2 tsp black peppercorns
- 5-6 dried red chilies
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/4 tsp asafoetida
- Salt, to taste
Roast all the ingredients and grind them into a powder.
Andhra Paruppu Podi
Obviously, the Andhra-style paruppu podi is known for its spicy flavor and uses a combination of lentils. Here’s the recipe:
- 1/2 cup toor dal
- 1/2 cup chana dal
- 2 tbsp urad dal
- 2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 6-7 dried red chilies
- 1/4 tsp asafoetida
- Salt, to taste
Roast all the ingredients and grind them into a fine powder.
Buy Paruppu Podi Online
Since making paruppu podi at home may not be an option for all, and you’re not in the mood to make your own paruppu podi or Walnut Podi, you can always buy it online or at your local Indian grocery store. There are many brands that sell high-quality paruppu podi online. My favorite paruppu podi is the one by Grand Sweets, Chennai. If you live in the US, I like the Shastha Brand, which you can buy here. Of course, just make sure to read the reviews and choose a brand that’s known for its authentic flavor and quality ingredients.
Are you Team Walnut Podi or Team Paruppu Podi?
Whether you prefer the rich flavors of Walnut Podi or the classic taste of paruppu podi, there’s no denying that this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves South Indian cuisine.
So, go ahead and try out these recipes and see which one is your favorite. Happy cooking!