Idly Dosai Milagai Podi-gun Powder

By Harini
Idly and milagai podi- An unbeatable combination ever. Though there are varieties of chutney and sambar made, nothing can come near podi according to me :). There are lots of variations in proportions and addition of ingredients in gun powder from home to home. Even in my house my mom prepares it one way,my grand mom prepared it another way and i like my grand moms version more.It is medium spiced and very very flavorful.This podi tastes amazing idli,dosa,curd rice and also bread toast.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup chana dal
1/2 cup urad dal
10 almonds
15 whole cashew nuts
1/8 cup white or black sesame seeds
2 heaping tsp of asafoetida
15-20 whole dried red chillies
2  tsp sesame oil
salt
Method:
Add little oil to a kadai and roast urad,channa,chashew and badam one by one til fragrant and remove to a plate.roast sesame seeds till they pop and remove to a plate. Next roast chilies carefully along with asafoetida and mix with the roasted dals. Add salt and grind them to powder once cooled ( I like to grind them a bit coarse).Store in a clean dry jar.
Notes: 
After grinding taste the podi, if it is too spicy add little more salt.
This is very light shaded because of cashew and almonds
The amount of chilies can be increased or decreased
Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 1 1/2 cups