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For Indians, a whole lifetime might seem insufficient to appreciate the rich, diverse and delicious South Indian cuisine. From idlis to dosa and sambar, South Indian dishes have left a strong impression on Indians since times immemorable. The authentic South Indian dishes are a perfect blend of fresh produce, flavourful spices and appetizing aromatics. With a variety of elements going into one whole meal, South Indian dishes are a melange of a variety of flavours, textures and aromas in just a single dish. One such flavourful element quite ubiquitous to most South Indian dishes is Podi. A flavourful dry spice mix, Podi accompanies most South Indian dishes like dosa, idli and vada. Some South Indians cannot even imagine a rice-based lunch without ghee and Podi on top. On today’s culinary trip to the South, we bring before you five Podis that you can try at home with South Indian delicacies. Try them out and let us know how you like them.
1. Ellu Podi
Winters are here and we cannot emphasize more the benefits of including sesame seeds in your diet. Don’t want to savour sweet sesame seeds dishes? Ellu Podi got your back. A delicious South Indian savoury dish made with sesame seeds, Ellu Podi is a delicious melange of lentils, sesame seeds and red chillies.
2. Milagai Podi
If you have ever visited a South Indian breakfast eatery, then you must have heard the name of this condiment. Colloquially known as ‘gunpowder’, Milagai Podi is a flavourful blend of roasted gram, dry coconut, red chillies, cumin seeds, coriander seeds and garlic cloves.
3. Chamanthi Podi
Filled with the goodness of dry coconut, Chamanthi Podi is one of the most widely-devoured and loved condiments in South India. The Podi is made with coconut, dry red chillies, asafoetida, curry leaves and urad dal. Some people also add tamarind to the mixture for added flavour.
4. Vazhakkai Podi
A raw banana-based spicy condiment, Vazhakkai Podi is widely relished in the southern states of India due to its nutrition and taste. Raw bananas are roasted over an open flame until the skin is charred. The skin is then removed and the flesh is crumbled. This crumbled banana is then flavoured with a powder made with red chillies, lentils, curry leaves and kopra.
5. Angaya Podi
Popularly known for relieving ailments like indigestion, fatigue, aches and pains, Angaya Podi is made with neem flowers and turkey berries. The Podi is usually mixed with ghee and rice and prescribed to new mothers for postpartum recovery.
We hope we have sorted your authentic South Indian meal. Do serve these flavourful condiments with any South Indian dish and voila!
