Andhra Style Pappu Podi / Roasted Putnalu Pappu Powder / Pappula Podi

Andhra Style Pappu Podi / Roasted Putnalu Pappu Powder / Pappula Podi

Spice Powders always give a nice kick during the start of any meal. At home, we generally have four to five spice powders and we never fail to pick one during our weekend special meals. Out of those, pappu podi is always liked by my kids. This version is a typical andhra style one which was introduced by my mother in law. If you really want to relish a spicy Andhra Style podi served in restaurants at home, try this version and store it in your kitchen for special occasions. You will love it with hot white rice and a spoon of ghee, I promise with a side of a papad.

Ingredients

Putnalu Pappu / Pottu Kadalai / Roasted Chickpeas / Dalia - 3 Cups

Dry Red Chillies - 12 to 14

Garlic Pods - 8 to 10 ( Optional )

Cumin Seeds - 1 tbsp

Dry Coconut Flakes - 3 tbsp

Salt - To Taste

Method

Dry roast all the ingredients in a frying pan and grind them into a powder using a mixer grinder. Consistency of this Pappu Podi should be between coarse and fine. Store it in a dry storage container which will stay for months.

Uses

1. Used as an accompaniment with Idli, Dosas.

2. Can be Mixed with hot white rice and ghee.

3. Used as a curry powder while making some special andhra curries.

4. Used for making instant chutneys.

Ragi Puttu - Healthy Breakfast Option

Ragi Puttu - Healthy Breakfast Option

On "Thai Poosam" day morning, I wanted to make some good healthy Prasadam and offer to Lord Muruga. ( so that we can also enjoy without guilt!!!) Ragi puttu flashed in my mind and as usual I was trying to get away from that idea due to my fear of ruining the puttu. My mom made a delicious Ragi Puttu last summer when we visited. Having that in mind, I did not even try to attempt before. But on "Thai Poosam", I decided to try my level best. I followed the detailed instructions of my mom and attempted at last and it was indeed a great success for me.!!  The method is not that complicated as I thought. Its a healthy breakfast for all ages and for kids, with few drops of hot melted ghee, its heavenly...My Dear bloggers, try this out and make a new addition in your Breakfast list.

Ingredients

Raagi Flour -  3 cups

Fresh Coconut flakes - 1 cup

Powdered Sugar - 1 cup

Melted Ghee - 2 tbsp

Cardamom Powder - 3 tsp

Cashew Nuts - 1 Handful roasted in ghee

Salt - 2 pinch

Water - Enough to make the Puttu Dough.

Method

Take 3 cups of Raagi Flour in a bowl and add few teaspoons of water gradually and make the Puttu Maavu / Dough. The consistency of the Puttu Maavu should not be too thick or watery. If you make a ball out of the Maavu in your hand, you should be able to do it and if you slightly press the ball, it should break totally. As this is an important step, care should be taken while adding the water. Rest of the process is very simple.

After you make the Maavu satisfactorily, place it on a thin clean cloth and steam cook the Raagi Maavu for nearly 8-10 minutes. Open the steamed Puttu Maavu and spread it on a clean dry bowl. Break down all the lumps and make it powdery.

Let it cools down for 2-3 minutes. Then add elachi/cardamom powder, ghee, powdered sugar, ghee roasted cashew nuts and mix them well. Finally add the fresh coconut flakes after it cools down considerably and mix them well again. Healthy Raagi Puttu is ready with an excellent flavour and delicious taste and ready for Neivedhyam.

Tips / Variations

While making the Puttu Maavu, instead of adding water at one shot, add teaspoons of water slowly and make the Puttu maavu.

Try to add the coconut flakes at the end. Before adding the coconut flakes, check to see whether they are fresh. Otherwise, the entire Puttu would be spoiled.

In addition to roasted cashew nuts, you can even add finely shredded almonds, pistachios in the puttu to make it more richer.