Veppilai Katti (Citrion powder- Grandma's Kitchen)

The Veppilai Katti is a famous grandma recipe predominantly made in the villages. Veppilai is known as Neem leaves and Katti means a ball. However, the recipe uses Kaffir leaves (narthangai elai in tamil). When I asked mom about this aromatic powder and its unrelated name, she had no answers except that this is how it has been handed over from generations. The recipe is an excellent treatment for stomach disorders and nausea. Traditionally, it was made using a mortar and pestle. Nowadays its the blender that replicates the work.

Ingredients

Kaffir leaves (a bunch of narthangai elai)

Dried red chillies 5-6 (depending on spice level)

Asafoetida 1/2-1 tsp

Salt to taste

Method

1. Wash the leaves thoroughly and dry it.

2. Breakdown the leaves by tearing it into tiny bits around the main nerve in the leaf.

   Note: you must discard the stem or nerve in the leaf.

3. In a blender, dry grind all the ingredients to a coarse consistency.

This medicinal mix can be consumed as an accompaniment to the delicious curd rice.