A Pickle and Podi Care Package for Students and NRIs

Anyone who has lived in a hostel or moved abroad knows the feeling. The rice is there, the curd is there, but the meal tastes of nothing. A few jars of pickle and a couple of podis fix that faster than anything else.

Here is how we would build a care package that lasts.

Two pickles, one sharp and one mellow

Avakai pachadi is the non-negotiable one. Raw mango, mustard and chilli in oil, it turns plain rice and ghee into a full meal. Pair it with something gentler such as Allam pachadi, the sweet, sour and hot ginger pickle that also goes well with idli and dosa.

If the person loves sourness, add Gongura pachadi. It is the taste many Telugu people say they miss most.

Two podis for quick meals

Podis are the student's best friend because they need no cooking. Idli karappodi with a spoon of ghee or oil makes breakfast in a minute. Karivepaku karappodi, made with curry leaves, mixes straight into hot rice with ghee for a fast lunch.

For something with more punch, Velluli karappodi is garlicky and bold.

A little something sweet

Tuck in one small box of a sweet that travels well, such as Kajju burfi or Sonapapidi. It is the part of the parcel that gets opened first.

Packing and storage

Pickles and podis travel better than almost any other food, but they still need care. Keep jars upright and sealed, and tell the person to use a dry spoon every time. A wet spoon is the most common reason a pickle spoils. Follow the storage note on each pack, and keep opened podis in an airtight container away from steam.

If you are sending overseas, check the destination country's rules on food parcels before you ship.