Chana Dal Powder

Senaga Podi.

Chana dal is roasted along with spices and ground into fine powder. The powder can be used as a dosa topping or can be served with steamed rice and dollop of ghee. The chana dal powder stays for months if stored in a clean dry jar.
Makes: around a Cup of Chana Dal Powder.

Ingredients:

• Chana Dal 1 Cup
• Cumin Seeds 1/2 tsp
• Whole Red Chiles 4 – 5
• Salt to taste

Method of preparation:

Heat a heavy bottomed pan on medium heat, add chana dal.
Roast the chana dal until aromatic or until it changes to light golden color.
Stir in cumin seeds, broken red chiles and fry briefly.
Remove from heat and the heat from the pan is enough to crisp up the red chiles.

Cool the ingredients to room temperature.
Grind it mixture into fine powder along with salt using a spice blender.
Remove the chana dal powder onto a jar and serve with steamed rice or with idly, dosa etc..
Notes: Make sure to roast the ingredients well.

Suggestions: If the powder is still coarse, grind the powder in batches to make sure its fine.
Variations: You can also add few peppercorns for heat or a piece of tamarind for sourness.
Other Names: Chana Dal Powder, Senaga Podi, Senaga Podem.