Karuvepillai Idli Podi/ Curry Leaves Spice Powder

Karuvepillai Idli Podi/ Curry Leaves Spice Powder is a wonderful way to make use of curry leaves and enjoy the benefit that it offers. Curry leaves are enriched in iron and they are beneficial for people struggling or battling with stress, diabetes, constipation, morning sickness and nausea and eyesight problems. It helps to reduce heart risk, prevent breast cancer and fight against Alzheimer disease. I would like to share our recipe that is really special and different. We have used Mor Milagai which is a South Indian sun dried cured green chilies. Mor Milagai recipe is a delicious crisp chili which is marinated in yogurt, salt and sun-dried. Later these sun dried chilies are fried in oil and then served along with a bowl of curd rice. It is one of the most popular condiments of the South Indian Cuisine. These chilies are available in any Indian grocery store.

Karuvepillai Idli Podi/ Curry Leaves Spice Powder

INGREDIENTS: 

Curry leaves - 3 cups

White Urad dal/ Ulundhu - 1/2 cup

Roasted Gram dal/ Pottukadalai - 2 tablespoons

Cumin seeds - 2 tablespoons

Cashew nut - 7 pieces

White pepper 1/2 teaspoon

Mor Milagai (South Indian sun-dried chilies)- 5

Salt to taste

METHOD:

1. First, wash curry leaves and drain them in a colander to remove excess water.

Pat them dry with a clean paper towel. Spread them evenly on a cotton cloth or towel and allow to air dry for 2 to 3 days. This process is needed to retain the beautiful green color of the leaves while making powder. 

2. Dry roast the urad dal till aromatic or slightly brown in color. 

3. Next, dry roast the cumin, Mor Milagai, gram dal (Pottukadalai), cashew nuts and white pepper as well.

4. Grind all the ingredients into smooth powder. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate it for a longer shelf life. 

5. This curry leaves podi can be taken as an accompaniment with idli, thosai or even add a teaspoon of this powder and some gingerly oil to your piping hot rice. Good way to fully utilize the benefit of curry leaves in your everyday diet. 

Thank you

Abby