Make Karam Podi From Scratch: Preservative-Free South Indian Spice Mix

By Garima Johar

June 2, 2026

Karam podi is a spicy South Indian blend made with roasted lentils, dried red chillies, and kitchen spices. To give your idlis or dosas a fiery twist, make this preservative-free karam podi at home.

Ingredients

1 cup urad dal 1/4 cup dried red chillies 2 tablespoons coriander seeds 1 tablespoon cumin seeds 1 tablespoon curry leaves 1 teaspoon hing Salt to taste 2 tablespoons oil

Step 1

Heat some oil and dry-roast urad dal. Add dried chillies and roast till fragrant.

Step 2

In a separate pan, dry roast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves.

Step 3

Once cool, grind all the ingredients till you get a coarse powder.

Step 4

Add salt and hing. Mix well. Store the karam podi in an airtight container and pair it with your meals.