Basic molagapodi (dal-chilli powder)

I think the title says it all! :)

Recipe for: Basic molagapodi



Ingredients:

1/4 cup chana dal
1/4 cup urad dal
2 tbsp sesame seeds (black, natural, white, whatever)
10-15 dried red chillies (or to taste)
15-20 fresh curry leaves (preferably) or dried will do
1/4 tsp asafoetida powder
Salt to taste



Method:

1. Dry roast the chana dal and urad dal separately till golden brown. Let cool.

2. Dry roast the red chillies and curry leaves till the curry leaves are dry and crisp. (If using dried curry leaves, roast the chillies for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently).

3. Toast the sesame seeds for a couple of minutes or until they start popping.



4. Let all the ingredients cool down, then grind to a fairly fine powder. Add salt to taste.

Molagapodi is ready to be used as a side-dish for dosa, idli, etc, along with ghee or nallennai (gingelly oil).

Here's a confession: I even make molagapodi sandwiches if I'm at a total loss about what to make when I'm really hungry.