Kollu Podi / Horsegram Powder For Idlies and Rice

In the vast and diverse world of Indian cuisine, spice powders are the secret ingredients that elevate ordinary dishes to extraordinary delights. Among these culinary treasures is Kollu Podi, or Horsegram Powder. Made from the nutrient-rich legume horse gram, this spice mix is cherished for its health benefits and versatility. Ideal for sprinkling over idlies and rice, Kollu Podi brings a burst of flavor and nutrition to your meals. Let’s explore what makes this unique powder a must-have in your kitchen.

Horse gram is a lesser-known legume in the Western world but is quite popular in Indian kitchens, especially in South India. Known as 'Kollu' in Tamil, 'Hurali' in Kannada, and 'Kulthi' in Hindi, this small, reddish-brown legume is packed with nutrients. It's rich in protein, iron, calcium, and antioxidants, making it a superfood in its own right. Traditionally, horse gram has been used in various forms, including soups, stews, and salads, but when ground into a powder, it transforms into a flavorful condiment.

Horse gram has lots of health benefits. Horse gram when taken as rasam or soup relieves the congestion due to cold and cough and makes the nasal tracts open up by allowing the mucus membranes to soften up and melt. Having a handful of horse gram soaked in water in early morning on empty stomach helps to stimulate the digestive tract and removes any digestion issues. As horse gram is rich in fiber it is good for people with diabetes and it helps bring down insulin resistance in the body.

Ingredients:

• Horse Gram / Kollu - 1 cup
• Red Chillies - 5 or 6
• Garlic Cloves - 4
• Asafoetida - ¼ tsp.
• Salt - 1 tsp. or as needed
• Curry Leaves - a handful
• Oil - 1 tsp.

Method:

• Heat oil in a pan and roast all the given ingredients except salt in low flame till the horse gram turns golden brown or upto 5 minutes and switch off the stove.
• Transfer to a plate and let it cool down.
• Now you can take this in a mixie along with salt and grind to a fine powder.
• Store in an airtight container and use whenever needed.

Note:

• Horse gram tends to increase heat in the body. If you feel too much heat, you must balance it by eating sprouted green gram, which cools the system.

How to Use Kollu Podi

With Idlies: One of the simplest ways to enjoy Kollu Podi is with idlies. Just sprinkle the powder over your steamed idlies and drizzle some sesame oil or ghee over it. The combination of the soft, fluffy idlies with the spicy, nutty powder is simply divine.

With Rice: Mix Kollu Podi with hot rice and a dollop of ghee or sesame oil. It makes for a quick and nutritious meal. You can also add it to rice dishes like lemon rice or tamarind rice for an extra kick.

Other Uses: Kollu Podi can be used as a seasoning for various dishes, such as dosas, upma, or even sprinkled over sautéed vegetables. It’s a versatile spice blend that can elevate the taste of many meals.