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–+ servings

South Indian Garlic Chili Powder

A bold, spicy garlic chili powder made with 8 simple ingredients. No cooking required, just grind and enjoy with rice, idli, dosa, or any curry. Also known as vellulli karam podi, this South Indian condiment takes 5 minutes and lasts for months.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 6 minutes
Servings 40 teaspoon
Calories 7 kcal
Protein0.3 g
Fiber1 g
Fat0.4 g
Carbohydrates1 g

Equipment

  • 1 Mixer grinder or spice grinder
  • 1 Airtight container for storage

Ingredients
 

  • ½ (20 g) garlic bulbs - peeled
  • ½ cup (60 g) chili powder - Kashmiri or regular red chili powder
  • 30 to 40 (2 g) dried curry leaves
  • 2 teaspoon (6 g) cumin seeds
  • 1 tablespoon (4.5 g) coriander seeds
  • ¼ teaspoon (1 g) fenugreek seeds
  • 1 teaspoon (7.5 g) salt - adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) castor oil

Instructions
 

Make the Podi:

  • Add ½ cup chili powder, 2 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1 tablespoon coriander seeds, ¼ teaspoon fenugreek seeds, 30 to 40 dried curry leaves, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ garlic bulbs (peeled cloves), and 1 teaspoon castor oil to a mixer grinder jar.
    All podi ingredients loaded into a mixer grinder jar: cumin seeds, coriander seeds, curry leaves, chili powder, salt and castor oil visible from above
  • Grind everything together to a fine powder. Pulse a few times first, then grind continuously until you get an even texture. The garlic and oil will bind the powder slightly.
    Bright red spice powder inside an open mixer grinder jar after grinding, blade visible in center
  • Transfer to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 months, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
    A hand holds a spoon scooping coarsely ground red garlic podi from the grinder jar

Video

Notes

Yield: Approximately 100g total. 1 serving = 1 teaspoon (2.5g).
Garlic: Use fresh, peeled garlic cloves. About 8 to 10 cloves from 1.2 bulbs. The moisture from fresh garlic helps bind the powder.
Castor oil: Use food grade castor oil only. It adds a traditional flavor and helps preserve the podi. You can substitute with sesame oil if preferred.
Heat level: Adjust chili powder quantity to your preference. Use Kashmiri chili powder for more color with less heat or paprika.
Storage: Keep in a dry, airtight container. Use a dry spoon every time to prevent moisture from getting in.

NUTRITION

Nutrition Facts
South Indian Garlic Chili Powder
Serving Size
 
1 teaspoon (2.5g)
Amount per Serving
Calories
7
% Daily Value*
Protein
 
0.3
g
1
%
Carbohydrates
 
1
g
0
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
0.1
g
0
%
Fat
 
0.4
g
1
%
Potassium
 
37
mg
1
%
Sodium
 
98
mg
4
%
Calcium
 
9
mg
1
%
Iron
 
0.4
mg
2
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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