By Shreya Sarpal
August 13, 2025
Gunpowder, also known as idli podi, is a spicy South Indian condiment made by dry roasting lentils, red chillies, sesame seeds, and aromatic spices, then grinding them into a coarse powder. Mixed with ghee or sesame oil, it becomes a flavourful side dish for idlis, dosas, or steamed rice, loved for its nutty, smoky, and mildly fiery taste.
½ cup chana dal ¼ cup husked urad dal 10-12 dried red chillies 2 tbsp sesame seeds ¼ tsp hing 1 sprig curry leaves 1 tsp salt 1 tsp oil for roasting
Heat a pan, add oil, roast chana dal on medium flame until golden, then remove.
In the same pan, add oil, roast red chillies until crisp, then add curry leaves and roast until dry.
Dry roast sesame seeds until they pop, add hing and turn off the heat.
Let all ingredients cool completely, then grind with salt to a coarse powder.
Transfer to an airtight jar.