Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

Traditional pumpkin seed chutney powder in glass jar for Indian cuisine.

Pumpkin seeds podi

Pumpkin Seeds Podi is a delicious, protein‑rich, and nutrient‑packed South Indian chutney powder made with roasted pumpkin seeds, dals, spices, and garlic. It's an excellent alternative to traditional idli milagai podi, offering a nutty aroma, bold flavors, and a healthy twist. This versatile podi pairs beautifully with idlis, dosai, rice, or even as a sprinkle on salads and snacks. Easy to make, long‑lasting, and bursting with flavor, this podi is a must‑try for anyone who loves homemade spice blends.

quick lunch

We often need quick lunch options for weekday work/ school lunch. If you make and keep moving bean rice powder, you can prepare a variety rice in less than 5 minutes. Premix powder stays good for months at room temperature. It is also a tasty chutney powder for tiffin items

What is Pumpkin Seeds Podi?

It's a South Indian-style chutney powder made using roasted pumpkin seeds, dals, spices, and garlic. It's similar to idli milagai podi but with a nutritious twist.

What can I eat Pumpkin Seeds Podi with?

Idli, dosa, uttapam, curd rice, steamed rice with ghee, chapati, or even sprinkled on roasted veggies and salads.

Delicious pumpkin seeds podi served with crispy toasted bread for a traditional South Indian snack.

Is Pumpkin Seeds Podi healthy?

Yes! Pumpkin seeds are rich in protein, zinc, magnesium, and healthy fats. This podi is a great way to include them in your diet.

How long does this podi stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for up to 1 month at room temperature.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Absolutely-add more or fewer red chillies based on your preference.

TIPS TO ROAST RED CHILLI

I would recommend roasting the red chilli along with other ingredients. Always roast the whole red chilli. If you remove the chilli cap, the seeds might turn bitter while roasting. Remove the cap just before grinding. I used Karnataka red chilli. It gives the pumpkin seeds chutney powder perfect spice and color.

TAMARIND - TIPS TO NOTE

always deseed and remove the fiber. Make sure the tamarind pieces are small. A big piece won't cook through.

always roast in a low flame

Always roast on a low flame and avoid medium or high flames. Since we roast all the ingredients together, it is important to spread them well and roast on a low flame.

PULSE THE PODI

I recommend pulsing the podi a few times for the perfect grainy texture. Mix well after each pulse. After the podi turns to a coarse texture, add garlic; grind it to your desired texture.

VARIATION FOR GARLIC, pumpkin seeds, milagai POWDER

You can increase Pepper and reduce chilli spice
Add curry leaves while roasting other ingredients
Skip garlic for no garlic podi
I used a pre-seasoned cast-iron pan. If you are using a regular pan, add the oil

PODI RECIPE COLLECTION

Pumpkin seeds podi in a glass jar for chutney or rice.

Ingredients

¾ cup pumpkin seeds
1 tablespoon chana dal
Red chillies
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Salt
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon urad dal
Small piece of tamarind
1 tablespoon coriander seeds

Delicious pumpkin seeds podi served with crispy toasted bread for a traditional South Indian snack.

How to make pumpkin seeds podi with step-by-step pictures

Heat a pan and dry roast the pumpkin seeds until aromatic and slightly golden. Transfer to a plate to cool.

Fresh roasted pumpkin seeds for chutney powder in a black skillet.

Toasted pumpkin seeds in a skillet for pumpkin seeds podi or chutney powder.

Transfer and cool pumpkin seeds for chutney powder preparation.

In the same pan, roast red chillies, coriander seeds, sesame seeds, chana dal, urad dal, and cumin seeds until they change color.

Delicious homemade pumpkin seeds podi, a flavorful chutney powder for traditional Indian cuisine.

Aromatic coriander seeds used in traditional chutney powder, enhancing flavor with a spicy, nutty ta.

Close-up of sesame seeds and dried red chilies in a black bowl for chutney powder.

Close-up of pumpkin seed chutney powder with dried chilies in a black skillet.

Traditional pumpkin seed chutney powder served in a black bowl.

Close-up of pumpkin seeds being roasted in a skillet for chutney powder.

Add garlic and tamarind; sauté until everything turns golden brown. Cool completely.

Traditional pumpkin seeds podi with garlic for flavorful chutney or spice mix.

Hand sprinkling pumpkin seed chutney powder in a skillet for traditional Indian recipe.

Delicious pumpkin seeds podi featuring cumin seeds, dried chilies, and chutney powder for flavorful.

Pumpkin seeds Podi with roasted golden brown seeds and spices, served in a black skillet.

Grind all roasted ingredients except pumpkin seeds into a coarse mixture with salt.

Traditional pumpkin seeds chutney powder in a mortar and pestle for authentic flavor.

Delicious pumpkin seeds chutney powder with spices and salt for traditional South Indian flavor.

Coarse grind of pumpkin seed podi for chutney and spice blends.

Add roasted pumpkin seeds and grind again to your preferred texture.

Toasted pumpkin seeds in a pot, ready for seasoning or snacking.

Pumpkin seeds being ground into podi for chutney and spice blends.

Cool fully and store in an airtight container.

Traditional pumpkin seed chutney powder in glass jar for Indian cuisine.