DIY Masala Box Hacks: Coriander Podi to Curry Powder
Luke Coutinho (Designed by Priyanka Vithlani, Meal Planning Analyst)

Coriander Seeds Podi – DIY Masala Box Hack

Do you want to jazz your meal plate by adding a spice powder/podi mix? Learn the quickest way to make the coriander seeds podi. Mix it with rice and pack it for a busy day tiffin, or just add a few drops of cold pressed oil and drizzle it over the dosa/idli. It does not end there. You can use this spice mix in your dals, rasam, and curries too.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 1 cup
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 32
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 5 tbsp coriander seeds
  • 1 ½ tbsp cumin/jeera
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds/til
  • 8 garlic pods
  • 1 tsp asafoetida/hing
  • 5 dried red chilies, as per suitability
  • Salt as required

Method
 

  1. In a pan, dry roast coriander seeds, cumin, sesame seeds, and red chilies for 5 minutes until a mild aroma releases. Set it aside.
  2. Once all the ingredients cool down, transfer them to the mixer, and add the garlic pods and asafoetida. Blend them into a coarse powder.
  3. Add salt as per requirement.
  4. Serve it along with rice/roti/idli/ dosa as per choice.
  5. Store in an airtight container.
  6. Stays fresh for 1 month in the refrigerator.
Power tip
  1. Always roast the coriander seeds at medium heat and keep stirring the seeds to allow them to roast evenly.
Variations
  1. You can even add presoaked and dried chana dal (Bengal gram) and melon or pumpkin seeds too, for more variations.

Notes

  • Coriander seeds are rich in vitamins C, K, iron, and manganese.
  • It acts as a diuretic that helps the body flush excess water and sodium and regulates blood pressure.
  • It is loaded with fiber and can improve digestion and regularise bowel movement.
  • Terpinene and quercetin present in coriander seeds have anti-cancer and immune-boosting properties.
  • It also contains antifungal and antimicrobial elements which act as a natural disinfectant and detoxifier.
  • Compounds like linoleic acid and cineole in coriander seeds help reduce swelling and fight inflammation.
  • Check out this simple Remedy for IBS, acid reflux, and dull skin here.
Luke Coutinho (Designed by Priyanka Vithlani, Meal Planning Analyst)

Coriander Seeds Curry Powder – DIY Masala Box Hack

Want to extract maximum pleasure and satisfaction from the curries, dals, and sabzis? Explore this nutrient-dense curry powder made using the right synergy between two or more ingredients available within the wonder masala box in your kitchen pantry. It is a natural remedy that is highly anti-inflammatory and a digestion booster too.
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Course: Curry powder
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 19.2
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup coriander seeds
  • 1-2 bay leaf
  • 2 Ceylon cinnamon sticks
  • 10 green cardamom pods
  • 1 tsp black peppercorns
  • 1 tbsp turmeric powder
  • 3 tbsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tbsp fennel seeds
  • ½ tsp yellow mustard seeds
  • 1 tbsp Bengal gram/chana dal
  • 1 tsp fenugreek seeds
  • 1 tsp cloves
  • 1 tsp asafoetida/hing
  • 1 tsp white poppy seeds
  • 2-4 dried red chilies, optional
  • A pinch of pink salt

Method
 

  1. Pan roast the ingredients.
  2. Heat a frying pan over medium flame and roast all ingredients one after another, except spices such as red chilies and turmeric powder.
  3. Do not over roast the ingredients or else the whole spices will burn and impart a bitter taste to the end product.
  4. Grind.
  5. Allow the ingredients to cool down a bit.
  6. Add all the spices and ingredients to a spice blender/grinder/food processor.
  7. Process, blend, or grind for a few minutes until a powder is formed.
  8. Use a medium sieve to sift the powder. This is to check if there are any chunks of whole spices.
  9. Add a pinch of Himalayan pink salt and mix well.
  10. Store the powder in an airtight container
  11. Stays fresh for 2 months
Power tip
  1. Always make the curry powder in small batches to retain the optimal taste and flavor.
Variations
  1. We can add dried mango powder (amchur) and ¼ tsp of beetroot powder which will impart the tandoori flavor and can be used for marination too.
  2. If Bengal gram is unavailable, one can use sattu powder too. Sattu will also help in thickening the gravy.

Notes

  • Coriander seeds impart an earthy flavor to the curry paste. These are great for pickling and marinades too.
  • Coriander seeds are also known for regulating the menstrual cycle and managing excessive menstrual flow. Try this DIY - coriander seed water decoction by boiling 2 tbsp coriander seeds in a liter of water. Once cool, sieve and sip at regular intervals.
  • Coriander seeds have a soothing effect on sensitive skin. These are also considered effective in regulating blood sugar, reducing inflammation, and slowing down the rate of growth of cancer cells.
Disclaimer: Please keep your healthcare provider in the loop before introducing any new food item into your lifestyle, especially if you have a medical health condition or are on medications. In case you are allergic to certain foods, please avoid them.