Kandi Podi (Toor Dal Powder)

1 cup toor dal
½ cup chana dal
½ cup moong dal
1 Tsp urad dal
1 Tsp cumin seeds
10-12 red chilies
½ tsp asafetida
1 tsp Salt (to taste) – finely powdered

Dry roast toor dal until it gives out nice flavor and turns light brown.
Repeat step 1 for chana dal and then moong dal.
Dry roast urad dal, red chilies, and asafetida -- add about 10-15 seconds apart. Add cumin seeds in the end as you turn off the stove.
Make a fine powder of the ingredients in step 3.
Grind all the dals semi-coarsely – if this is too soft, it sticks to the palate uncomfortably.
Mix the powdered dals, salt and spices.
Optionally, add either fresh or slightly roasted garlic (coarsely ground) to the powder.

Eat with rice and 1 tsp oil/ghee. Or add a spoonful oil/ghee and eat with dosa or idli.