Ellu Podi

                                       Ellu Podi

                  Ellu is  just the Sesame seeds either black or white . It has amazing medicinal properties which helps in reducing the rheumatic pains, lower the blood pressure, lower the blood cholesterol, helps in regular functioning of the liver  and the list goes on and on....
                    Sesame seeds is a good source of Iron and Zinc and has omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It is rich in calcium too.
                    Nowonder  our  anscestors have these included in their regular diet and kept themselves healthy naturally. One of the ways to intake the ellu is through their food and it is made delicious and tasty that you can enjoy with rice or sevai, for dosa, idli....
                       It is very easy to make and can be stored in the fridge.

Ingredients
Sesame seeds        - 1/2 cup
Urad dhal              - 1/8 cup
Red chilli(dry)      - 4 to 5
salt                        - 1/2 tsp
Asafetida(hing)    -1 pinch

                   Now take a Kadai and heat it. Dry roast the ellu[sesame seeds] till they start to pop. Take care not to burn too much. Just like popcorn when they start to pop it is done till then keep on stirring. Remove and allow to cool on a plate separately.
The next step is to roast the urad dhal, redchilli and hing. Roast till the urad turns golden .
Remove and allow to cool.
Then grind it in the mixie.
First grind the urad mixture.
At the end add the sesame seeds and grind little coarsely so that you can feel the crunchiness of the sesame seeds.
Now the ellu podi is ready and can be stored in a airtight container in the fridge

Serving suggestions
1. Mix it with hot rice with the tadka of mustard and curry leaves and serve in lunch.
2. Serve as a Idli powder with mixed with ghee/sesame oil for Idli, dosa...