Authentic Horse Gram Podi Recipe – Kollu Powder with Red Chilli & Garlic

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Horse Gram Podi Recipe – Kollu Powder with Red Chilli & Garlic

Hey everyone! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s been a staple in my family for generations – Horse Gram Podi, or Kollu Powder. It’s a wonderfully flavorful and nutritious condiment that adds a fantastic kick to simple meals. Honestly, once you try this, you’ll be sprinkling it on everything!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Horse Gram Podi is more than just a spice blend; it’s a little bit of South Indian sunshine in a jar. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and packs a serious flavour punch. Plus, horse gram is a nutritional powerhouse! It’s perfect for those days when you want something quick, flavourful, and good for you.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing podi:

• 1 cup Horse gram (Kollu) – about 200g
• 3 Red chillies – I prefer Byadagi chillies for colour and medium heat
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper – around 5g
• 5 Garlic flakes – roughly chopped
• Salt to taste – start with ½ teaspoon and adjust

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about these ingredients for a sec! Horse gram, or kollu, is a bit of an underdog legume. It’s packed with protein, iron, and fibre – seriously good stuff. Traditionally, it’s been used in Ayurvedic medicine for ages, especially during the winter months to keep you warm.

This podi is particularly popular in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, where it’s often served with rice and a drizzle of sesame oil. I like to use Byadagi chillies because they give a beautiful red colour without being overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the number of chillies depending on your heat preference, though! And don’t skimp on the garlic – it adds such a lovely depth of flavour.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s super simple, I promise.

1. First, heat a pan over medium heat. Add the horse gram and red chillies. Now, we’re going to roast them! Keep stirring constantly for about 5-7 minutes, until the horse gram is golden brown and you start to hear it popping. This is key – the popping sound means it’s nicely roasted.
2. Take the roasted mixture off the heat and let it cool completely. Seriously, let it cool! This is important for getting a good powder consistency.
3. Once cooled, transfer the roasted gram and chillies to a mixer grinder. Add the salt. Grind into a coarse powder. Don’t over-grind it – we want some texture!
4. Now, add the crushed garlic and black pepper. Pulse the mixer just once or twice to combine. You don’t want the garlic to become a paste.
5. And that’s it! Transfer your freshly made Horse Gram Podi to an airtight container.

Expert Tips

• Roasting is key: Don’t rush the roasting process. It really brings out the flavour of the horse gram.
• Cooling is crucial: A warm mixture won’t grind properly. Patience is a virtue here!
• Don’t over-grind: A coarse podi has a better texture and flavour.

Variations

Want to make this podi your own? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Level Adjustments: If you like it really spicy, add a few more red chillies or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. My brother loves his podi fiery hot!
• Using Different Types of Chillies: Experiment with different chillies! Guntur chillies will give you a lot of heat, while Kashmiri chillies will add colour with less spice.
• Grinding Techniques: Some people prefer a very fine podi. If that’s you, grind for a little longer. But I personally love the slightly coarse texture.

Serving Suggestions

Okay, this is the fun part! Here are a few ways to enjoy your Horse Gram Podi:

• With hot rice and a generous drizzle of sesame oil – the classic way!
• Mixed with yogurt for a quick and flavourful dip.
• Sprinkled over idli or dosa.
• As a seasoning for upma or poha.
• Even as a dry rub for roasted vegetables!

Storage Instructions

Store your Horse Gram Podi in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Make sure it’s completely cool before storing to prevent condensation.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What are the health benefits of horse gram? Horse gram is incredibly nutritious! It’s a great source of protein, fibre, iron, and calcium. It’s also believed to help with digestion and weight management.
• Can I make this podi in a traditional stone grinder? Absolutely! A stone grinder will give you a fantastic texture. Just be prepared for a little more elbow grease.
• What is the shelf life of horse gram podi? Around 2 weeks if stored properly in an airtight container.
• Can I add other spices like cumin or coriander? Definitely! A teaspoon of roasted cumin seeds or coriander seeds would be a lovely addition.
• What dishes can I serve this podi with besides rice? So many! Try it with idli, dosa, upma, poha, or even roasted vegetables.

Enjoy making (and eating!) this delicious and healthy Horse Gram Podi. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!