Ingredients and Method to Make Lentil powder (Parappu Podi) Version 2
1 cup Split red gram lentil (also known as split pigeon peas / tur dhal )
1/4 cup split yellow chick pea ( chana dhal )
1/4 cup split moong bean (moong dhal )
20 large curry leaves
5 dry red chillies (or about 3 if you have very spicy red chillies)
2 tsp whole black pepper (or 3 tsp of whole black pepper if you want more heat)
1 1/2 tsp salt
Dry roast each of the above ingredients seperately except the salt. The lentils need to be roasted until they turn reddish and are exuding an aroma.
The curry leaves need to be roasted for a few seconds until it turns dry.The black pepper and red chillies until it changes color.
Cool all of these ingredients and powder in a blender/ spice grinder until fine.
Add salt and give it another turn in the blender/ spice grinder until the salt mixes well with the powder
Keep stored in an airtight container for months and use as required.
Notes
When serving the powder needs to be mixed with hot rice and served with a few drops of ghee (clarified butter) or sesame oil on top. About one teaspoon of this lentil powder will be required for about 3/4 cup of cooked rice or more or less depending on your taste and how much heat you would want.. Serve with any curry and appalams/ pappadums on side to make a complete meal.
