Gunpowder

By • July 22, 2011 • 8 Comments


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Author Notes: No self respecting south Indian home will be without this spicy blend of toasted lentils & sesame. Its called 'molaga podi' in Tamil which directly translates as chile powder. Affectionately referred to as 'Gunpowder', Graduate school student stories are filled with tales of well meaning yet slightly 'american english' challenged geeky nerds from Southern India proudly declaring their 'lovingly-packed-by-mommy' stash of GUNPOWDER to the Immigration authorities, only to be dragged inside for a complete verification!
its a staple accompaniment to breakfast classics such as Idli & dosa as well as a quick option to whip up some yummy sesame flavored rice at a moments notice. - Panfusine

Makes 1 cup

  • 3 tablespoons split dehusked urad dal
  • 2 tablespoons split dry garbanzo (Chana dal)
  • 5 tablespoons Sesame seeds
  • 7-8 dried Arbol chiles
  • 1 tablespoon black mustard seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon asafetida powder
  • Sea Salt to taste
  • 2 teaspoons Sesame oil
  1. on a hot skillet, Toast each of the ingredients separately in minimal amount of oil (it should barely coat the surface to facilitate browning) till they appear reddish brown in color. for the mustard & sesame, toast until they begin to pop. (cover the skillet with a lid to avoid scalding hot micro missiles)
  2. While toasting the chilies add the sea salt along to minimize irritation,
  3. Cool and powder all the ingredients except the mustard & sesame to a powder the consistency between grits & cornmeal. Add the toasted arbol chilies along with the lentils to yield an even texture. Combine the mustard & sesame & pulse a couple of times to barely crush them.
  4. Combine all the ingredients, mix well to disperse evenly, taste & adjust for salt.
  5. Serve as a side to traditional Indian dishes such as Dosa or idli.
  6. To prepare flavored rice, add 1-2 heaped tablespoons of the powder to one cup of warm cooked basmati rice. drizzle with melted ghee & fold to incorporate the spice blend evenly.

Tags: gluten free, serves a crowd, travels well, Vegan

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almost 2 years ago BlueKaleRoad

Oh, this brings back memories of my visit to India! We ate idli and dosas everyday and loved every bite. I'm saving this to make and enjoy. Thank you for sharing!

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almost 2 years ago Panfusine

Thanks bluekaleroad!

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almost 2 years ago Kitchen Butterfly

Having just been introduced to the wonders of Idli and dosas by my South Indian friend....I'm loving this too!

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almost 2 years ago Panfusine

thanks, just taking pictures of this incited such a craving for dosa that I just HAD to grind up some batter. its sitting under the oven lights now!

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almost 2 years ago Sagegreen

Thanks for sharing this recipe! It sounds wonderful. I have all the ingredients to make, too. My niece brought me back asafetida from India this year.

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almost 2 years ago Panfusine

thanks Sagegreen! I'm sure you'll like it!

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almost 2 years ago Panfusine

thanks!, its my mother's recipe, can't take the full credit for it!

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almost 2 years ago sdebrango

Suzanne is a trusted source on General Cooking.

Wow! What an amazing combination.

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