I wasn’t kidding when I said Padma Lakshmi’s Gunpowder is going to be one of your favorite pantry staples. It’s super versatile, and literally made to amp up any meal. While Gunpowder (also known as milagai podi) is typically mixed with a fat and eaten with dosas or idlis in South Indian households, it lends itself to so many other everyday dishes. Here are 4 exclusive recipes by Padma Lakshmi herself that'll make you fall in love with the blend:
Gunpowder Grilled Cheese: Trust me, you have to make this one. It’s a classic grilled cheese, with gunpowder sprinkled in, and toasted in ghee (clarified butter)!
Gunpowder Cucumbers: A super simple salad that feels refreshing and anything but boring, thanks to that savory, nutty punch!
Dosa & Podimas: This one’s super special because, not only are dosas the traditional vehicle for gunpowder, but this particular recipe is from Padma’s All American Cookbook, launching Nov 4th, 2025! We got this recipe just so you can enjoy gunpowder in its most classic combination, all with Padma’s own recipe!
Here are my recs on how to make the best use of Gunpowder:
- Remember, fat unlocks flavor. Make a hill of gunpowder, then press down the hill in the centre to make a small well, and pour in an oil of your choice (sesame oil, ghee, or even extra virgin olive oil). Then, using your index finger or a spoon, mix it all up!
- Dip your dosas in it. Enjoy it the traditional way by tearing a piece of dosa and using the podi as a dip! So simple, and so delicious. You can also drizzle it over idlis.
- Amp up leftover rice. Reheat leftover steamed rice with a sprinkle of gunpowder and a drizzle of ghee or oil for the easiest, remixed gunpowder rice!
- Drizzle it over salads. Or roast veggies. Or popcorn chicken!
Happy cooking!
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P.S. Try the gunpowder in the most delicious bakes this weekend! Come to our Diwali Pop-Up on Sunday, October 19th at Librae Bakery in collaboration with Padma Lakshmi to celebrate this big moment with us. The lovely folks at Librae have schemed up 2 exclusive bakes for the day: a gunpowder and cheese morning bun, and a sweet frosted golden milk bun with candied coconut! PLUS I'll be there serving y'all our signature masala chai to keep y'all warm and well fed! RSVP here!
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