Nuvvu Podi- Till Powder

2 cups White Sesame Seeds – White Till
Handful Red Chilies
1 tsp Jeera
¼ tsp Hing

In a skillet fry sesame seeds till they are golden yellow. Add hing, jeera and red chilies.
Red chilies can be adjusted according to taste.
It is really important that it is stirred frequently and have the flame in low/ medium. This way the seeds are roasted completely without just the outer part and prevents from darkening.
The mixture emits a toasty aroma when they are nicely roasted.
Let cool. Grind the red chilies first to a smooth powder in a spice mill or blender; remove from the jar on to a plate. Then add the sesame seeds. Sesame seeds are very soft and become powder very fast. Briskly turn the blender on/off a couple of times and check for the mixture. Too much grinding will make the seeds soggy by letting out the natural oil in the seeds. Remove on to the plate.
Add salt to the mixture and mix it thoroughly.

Use immediately or store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place or in a Ziploc bag to retain its freshness and aroma.

Nuvvu podi is a favorite telugu item. It can be eaten with hot rice and a tsp of oil. Pachi pulusu or onion pulusu by the side gives it a special taste.