By Garima Johar
September 11, 2025
Gunpowder, or milagai podi or idli podi, is a spicy, flavourful spice powder commonly served with idli, dosa, and other South Indian dishes. With this easy, authentic recipe, you can make it at home.
1/2 cup chana dal 1/2 cup urad dal 1/4 cup sesame seeds 8-10 dried red chillies 1 tbsp cumin seeds 1 tbsp black peppercorns 1/2 tsp hing 1 sprig curry leaves 1/2 tsp salt
Dry-roast curry leaves. Add chana and urad dal. Roast till golden brown. Set aside.
Toast sesame seeds and transfer them to the dal mixture.
Roast dried red chillies, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, and curry leaves together.
Let them cool and grind them into a coarse powder. Mix with hing and salt.
Transfer the gunpowder into an airtight container and refrigerate for a longer shelf life.