Nuvvu Podi (Sesame Seed Powder)

1 ⅔ cups sesame seeds

½ teaspoon sesame oil

10 dried red chile peppers, or to taste

salt to taste

Toast the sesame seeds in a skillet over medium-low heat until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Spread onto a baking sheet to cool.

Heat 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil in the skillet, again over medium-low heat. Fry the red chile peppers in the hot oil until they begin to change color, about 5 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet.

Use a mortar and pestle to grind the sesame seeds, chile peppers, and salt into a powder. Nuvvu podi will keep for a few months on the shelf.