Sundal Podi: The Essential Spice Powder

"Sundal Podi – The Essential Festive Spice Powder for Delicious Navratri Sundal Recipes"

    Navratri is all about devotion, vibrant Golu displays, and of course, delicious prasadhams! One of the most beloved offerings during Navratri is the variety of Sundals made each day. Preparing Sundal for a large crowd during pujas or for Golu visitors can be a daunting task. That’s where Sundal Podi comes in! This versatile spice mix is a time-saver in the kitchen, making it easy to whip up flavourful Sundals in minutes.

    Whether you're offering Sundal as prasadam or simply indulging in the festive spirit, this Sundal Podi is a game-changer! Made with a blend of dry-roasted spices, it brings an instant burst of flavour to any Sundal.

Why Sundal Podi is a Must-Have for Navratri

    During the 9 days of Navratri, preparing different Sundals daily can feel overwhelming. With Sundal Podi, you can cut down on prep time and focus on enjoying the festivities. From Chickpea Sundal to Green Gram Sundal, this spice powder will add a flavour boost that elevates your offerings. Plus, it's not just limited to Sundal—this versatile spice mix can be used for South Indian vegetable stir-fries or Poriyals as well!

 

Click the link for a variety of Easy Sundal Recipes perfect for all 9 days of Navratri!

Cuisine - South Indian
Recipe Type - Spice Powder
Spice Level - Medium-High
Difficulty - Easy
Yields - 1/2 Cup(Approximately)
Author - SM

Preparation Time - 5–10 Minutes
Cooking & Grinding - 15-20 Minutes

For a wide range of Homemade Spice Powders, check the link...

Step-by-step guide to make Sundal Podi - The Essential Spice Powder for Perfect Sundal Recipes

Close-Up of Sundal Podi - Essential for a tasty & flavourful Sundal

Ingredients 

For Sundal Podi

• 2 tablespoons of Bengal Gram Dhal
• 2 tablespoons of Black Gram Dhal/Urad Dhal
• 4-5 Dry Red Chillies
• 1/4 cup of Coriander Seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon of Turmeric Powder
• Salt to taste

Optional Ingredients 

• 1/4 teaspoon of Cumin 
• 1/4 teaspoon of Peppercorns

 

Method to Prepare Sundal Podi

• Dry Roast Spices: Start by dry-roasting the Dry Red Chillies on low heat until they puff up and release their aroma. Then, add the coriander seeds and roast until they turn fragrant.
• Roast Dhals: Add the Bengal Gram Dhal and Black Gram Dhal, roasting them until golden brown.
• Cool and Grind: Once everything is roasted, switch off the heat, add turmeric powder, and let the spices cool. Grind the mixture into a fine powder using a mixer or coffee grinder. Don’t forget to add salt while grinding!

Delicious Kadali Paruppu Sundal with Sundal Podi

Storage and Usage Tips

• Store the Sundal Podi in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
• Always use a dry spoon to scoop out the powder to avoid clumping.
• Make a small batch for the best flavour—freshly ground spices will elevate your Sundals.

*Pro Tip: Sundal Podi can also be used in vegetable stir-fries like Beans Poriyal. Just sprinkle some over cooked veggies to transform a simple dish into something special!

Additional Notes & Tips for Preparing Sundal Podi

Roasting Tips:

• Roast on a Low Flame: Always roast the ingredients on low heat to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning, which would spoil the flavour of the Sundal Podi.
• Dry Ingredients: If you prefer, you can also dry the ingredients in the sun before roasting for an even deeper flavour.
• Cumin and Peppercorns: Adding a quick stir of cumin seeds and peppercorns during the roasting process enhances the flavour further. Make sure to dry roast these spices along with the other ingredients for a balanced taste.

Adjusting Spice Levels:

• You can adjust the number of Dry Red Chillies to match your spice preference.
• Salt: Adding salt to the Sundal Podi is optional, and can be added during the grinding process if desired.

Batch Size and Freshness:

• It’s best to prepare Sundal Podi in small batches, as freshly roasted and ground spices yield the most flavourful Sundals.
• Avoid making large batches that might lose their potency over time.

    By following these tips, you’ll ensure your Sundal Podi remains fresh and flavourful, making your Sundal and stir-fries delicious every time!