Idly/ Idli is a type of savory steamed cake made with rice and lentils served as an authentic breakfast in South Indian homes and restaurants served with an authentic Idly chilli powder/ milagai podi/ gun powder.
Podi idly (Podi means powder and refers to idly chilli powder or gun powder) is a spicy and flavorful dish made by spreading generous quantity of gun powder and sesame oil on cooked idly and can be made in a jiffy and ideal for lunch box or travel. Come, let’s see how to make this perfect recipe at home with easy method and step by step pictures.
Author: PRIYA SRINIVAS
Category: Vegan
Cuisine: South Indian
Making time: 5 minutes
Serves: 2
Ingredients
- Cooked idly- 8
- Idly chilli powder/ gun powder/ idli milagai podi- 4 tbsp
- Sesame oil- 4 tbsp
Method:
1. Preparation: Make 8 idlies and remove from idly plate and cool down completely.
2. Take 1 idly in a plate and add 1 tsp sesame oil on one side and smear with your fingers to spread evenly. Repeat on other side. (NOTE: Sesame oil is healthy and helps in reducing the spiciness of idly chilli powder. It also gives the authentic flavor of this podi idly, so do not replace it with regular cooking oil.)


3.Add 1 tsp idli chilli powder on one side and spread using your fingers so that the powder sticks to the oil. Repeat on other side.


4. Add 1/2 tsp oil on both sides of idly to cover uncoated powder. Repeat the steps to make podi idli with remaining idlies and cover the plate and rest for 10-15 minutes for the oil to get absorbed and the idlies to turn softer. You can rest the idlies for more than 8-12 hours, it is great to take along for travel as it is easy to make and remain soft for long time and does not require a side dish. Delicious and soft podi idly is ready to eat.

