Also Known As: Quick – Chili Podi, Garlic Chili Podi. Instant Idly-Dosa Podi. Hot Idly-Dosai Podi. Kaara Podi.

If someone is in real hurry, or absolutely have no time to make chutney or samabar to go with their idlies and dosas…this instant ‘side dish’ could be at rescue. However, I need to warn you, its hot, very hot, extremely hot…but definitely worth trying! It leaves a deep tingling effect on you:) The choice of paring is rather limited though…it can be either paired with idly or dosa.

While growing up ( Chennai, Tamil Nadu) we have all eaten it quite a number of times…but I wonder, why we failed to name the dish!! None of my relatives or neighbors mentioned this ‘podi’ with a clear-cut name. Its so practical…and it never crossed our minds that it deserves a decent name:)

Later upon…bunch of my friends from North Chennai, called this ‘podi’ as ‘Rosa poo Chutney! Wow, what a peculiar, yet beautiful name. ‘Rosa poo’ simply means ‘rose flower’…but it has nothing to do with this chutney or podi. If anyone knows the etymology, please do share it with me!

• Chili powder 2 tsp
• Turmeric 1/2 tsp
• Salt
• Garlic 1 head, crushed
• Curry leaves
• Sesame oil 1/4 cup

Method:

1. Mix salt, turmeric and chili powder and set aside.

2. Heat oil in a pan and add garlic and curry leaves. Fry them till crisp.

3. Add this oil to the mixture.

Note: Its extremely hot, have a tiny bit to go with your idlies and dosas.