| Idli podi | |
| Region: | South India |
Idli podi, chutney pudi, or milagai podi (ta|இட்லிப் பொடி|iṭlip poṭi; ml|ഇഡ്ഡലി പൊടി|iḍḍali poṭi ;te|కారం పొడి|kāraṁ poḍi; kn|ಚಟ್ನಿ ಪುಡಿ|caṭni puḍi) is a coarse spice powder, originating from the Indian subcontinent, with a mixture of ground dry spices that usually comprises "dried chilis, black gram dhal, chickpea, and sesame seeds".[1] The spice mix is commonly referred to in informal speech as "gunpowder" due to its flavorful heat or chutney powder.[2] It is generally mixed with gingelly (sesame) oil or melted ghee when it is served alongside idli or dosa.[3]
While historical records of the origin of Podi, or gunpowder, are scattered, Sangam literature boasts it as a popular delicacy during the reign of the Vijayanagara dynasty.[4] Its impact is most prominent in the South Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.