Here's how to make South Indian Podi Masala recipe in just 7 easy steps at home.

Roast chana dal, heat a pan over medium flame and dry roast the chana dal until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. transfer to a plate and let it cool.

Roast urad dal, in the same pan, dry roast the urad dal until golden and aromatic. remove and set aside to cool.

Roast red chilies, add a teaspoon of oil to the pan. roast the dried red chilies until they become crisp. if using curry leaves, add them now and saute until they turn crisp. set aside to cool.

Roast sesame seeds, dry roast the sesame seeds until they start to pop. remove from heat and let them cool.

Combine ingredients, once all roasted ingredients have cooled, combine them with asafoetida and salt.

Grind to powder, using a mixer or spice grinder, grind the mixture to a coarse or fine powder, based on your preference.

Store, transfer the podi masala to an airtight container. it can be stored at room temperature for several weeks.