Nuvvula Podi is a staple condiment in Andhra homes occupying a constant spot on the dining table and is traditionally made of only sesame seeds. But I totally love the way my mum-in-law makes this Nuvvula Avise Ginjala Podi with the addition of flax seeds. I find this a win-win idea to incorporate more flax seeds in our everyday diet. What is important to note is the flaxseeds to sesame seeds ratio to use as too much of flax seeds can be overwhelming.
During cold & wet seasons, I prefer to bank on thermogenic (heat generating) foods to keep myself warm.
I like it even better when it can double up as an embellishment to an everyday meal.
My mum-in-law makes this simple yet superb Nuvvula Avise Ginjala Podi/Andhra style Sesame and flax seeds powder, which I have begun to make too and is perfect for this season.
Should I use hulled or unhulled seeds?
I like to use unhulled sesame seeds by which I mean husk is not removed and they appear light brown and are nuttier in taste. However, if you find the unhulled seeds to be slightly bitter, you can use the hulled sesame seeds also in this recipe. They are known as Nylon Ellu/ Nylon sesame seeds in the market, are whiter in color and have a milder taste and shiny appearance which many won’t fuss about.
The choice of using hulled or unhulled white sesame seeds is up to you. Anyone can use unhulled seeds except if you are on an oxalate restricted diet (those who are predisposed to have kidney stones – comprising of calcium oxalate crystals). For example, some of the oxalate rich foods are leafy greens like Spinach and Swiss Chard, tomato, potato and buckwheat/kuttu).
health benefits:
While Sesame seeds are great in binding with and eliminating free radicals from the body, flax seeds are rich in omega 3 fatty acids and phytoestrogens due to which they are beneficial for controlling PCOS as well as blood pressure. It makes for a great supplementary food for growing girls especially those around puberty. I find this simple recipe containing the benefits of both super foods a must when it is super tasty too.
Best part about this Nuvvula Avise Ginjala Podi is it hardly takes any time to make and even beginners can make it easily. If you like this savory podi, you might also love this super easy to make Ellu Unde (black sesame seeds laddoo) and festive Ellu Bella
How to eat it?
mixed with hot steaming rice and some homemade ghee or cold pressed Nuvvula Noone /sesame oil
Can also be used as a Koora Podi for an assortment of vegetables Kooras like beans, potato, carrots, chikkudikaya (flat beans) to name a few
If you like this Podi, I’m sure you will want not want to miss out on this Idli Dosa Podi or Molaga Podi as well
- 1/2 cup white sesame seeds unhulled seeds
- 2 tbsp flax seeds agase beeja / avise ginjalu
- few drops of peanut oil
- 8 byadagi red chillies
- salt to taste
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Heat a heavy bottomed pan on medium heat and dry roast sesame seeds until they begin to pop.
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Remove onto a plate.
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In the same pan dry roast flax seeds next until they begin to splutter. Remove onto the same plate.
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Add few drops of peanut oil to the same pan followed by byadagi red chillies and pan roast until they begin to brown and fluff up. Do not let them smoke. switch off the stove.
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When all of them have cooled down to room temperature, first grind the roasted red chillies to a powder in a mixer grinder. Then add both roasted seeds and salt to taste and pulse a few times while checking intermittently until you get a semi-fine powder. Try not to grind on full swing else the roasted seeds with lump up and tend to become paste. Check and adjust for salt.
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Enjoy mixed with hot steaming rice and drizzle of homemade ghee or peanut/sesame oil.
You can use this as a curry powder to flavor different vegetable sides too.
Store it in a dry air tight container.
Store it the the refrigerator if not using regularly.
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