Vellulli Karam

Vellulli Karam, meaning "garlic spice mixture" in Telugu, is a fiery and flavorful dry chutney powder or spice blend from the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It's celebrated for its robust garlic flavor and spicy kick, making it a popular accompaniment to various South Indian dishes, especially breakfast items like idli, dosa, and upma, and a flavorful addition to rice dishes when mixed with ghee or oil.  

The main ingredient in Vellulli Karam is garlic, which is typically roasted with other spices like red chilies, cumin seeds, and sometimes coriander seeds, mustard seeds, and fenugreek seeds. According to Chef Saru Foods, it's handcrafted with sun-dried red chilies, fresh garlic pods, lentils, and aromatic spices. The mixture is then ground into a coarse powder. There are variations to the recipe, with some including lentils like Bengal gram (chana dal) and split black gram (udad dal), curry leaves, and even peanuts for added texture and richness. Andhra and Telaganga Pachallu describes it as a blend of roasted lentils, spicy red chilies, aromatic garlic, and a harmonious blend of spices. The roasting process is essential for enhancing the flavors and creating the distinct aroma of Vellulli Karam.