Sesame seeds, known as “ellu” in Tamil, have a special place in South Indian cuisine and
Ayurveda – often symbolizing prosperity and used in festival foods. Sesame Podi takes the goodness of
these tiny seeds and makes it a convenient daily condiment. Aromacy’s Sesame Podi features white
sesame seeds as the star. We carefully dry roast them until they start popping and release their tantalizing
aroma (but not burnt – that’d be bitter). We then roast supporting actors: urad dal (for some body and
protein), perhaps a bit of chana dal, dried red chilies (very little, this is generally a milder, aroma-forward
podi), and curry leaves for fragrance. These get ground together with salt and a touch of jaggery (sesame
podis often have a hint of sweetness to complement sesame’s slightly bitter undertone). The final powder is
brownish-beige with darker flecks, and noticeably oilier than, say, idli podi, because sesame seeds yield oil –
that’s great for flavor and means it sticks well to rice without much added oil. The texture is somewhat fine
but not fully smooth – you might feel tiny granules of roasted dal or sesame, which adds to the charm.
Flavor-wise: deeply nutty, a bit sweet, a bit smoky from the roasted seeds, and lightly salted – the chili is
minimal so you mostly taste sesame (if we rated idli podi’s heat as 7/10, sesame podi is like 3/10). This
makes it very kid-friendly and appealing to those who prefer taste over heat. It’s almost like a South Indian
“furikake” (Japanese sesame topping) in concept. Sesame Podi is enjoyed with rice (ellu sadam – sesame rice
– is actually a known dish) and also with idli/dosa, often mixed with ghee. Many people also enjoy just
sprinkling it over veggies or even on buttered toast. Beyond taste, it’s a nutritional booster: sesame seeds
are one of the best plant sources of calcium (good for bones), high in magnesium, iron, and vitamin B, plus
contain beneficial fats and lignans (good for heart health). The presence of urad dal adds protein and fiber.
This podi has a slightly Ayurvedic tilt too – sesame is considered warming and vata-pacifying, good for winter months and general strength. Some postpartum diets include sesame for calcium and to support
lactation. Our Sesame Podi aims to retain maximum nutrients by gentle roasting and not over-processing
(we don’t defat or anything – it’s whole seeds). We also refrain from adding too many overpowering spices
so the sesame shines through. It’s a bit of an underdog compared to the famous idli podi or paruppu podi,
but those who know it, love it. And for those new – one taste of that nutty warmth, and you might be
hooked. We deliver that homemade authenticity – you might even see some sesame oil glistening in the
podi, that’s a sign of quality (and perhaps why shelf life is a bit shorter, but worth it for flavor).
