Chammanthi Podi is a flavorful, dry condiment and chutney powder from Kerala, India, made primarily from roasted coconut and spices. It's essentially a preserved version of a regular coconut chutney, designed to have a longer shelf life than fresh chutneys. The name "Chammanthi" means chutney or sauce, and "Podi" means powder in Malayalam. 
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Key Ingredients:
The main ingredient is shredded coconut, which is dry-roasted along with spices like red chilies, coriander seeds, and curry leaves. 
Preparation:
The coconut and spices are roasted until they are dry and fragrant, then ground into a powder. 
Preservation:
Chammanthi Podi was originally created to extend the shelf life of coconut chutneys, which typically spoil quickly without refrigeration. 
Usage:
It's used as a side dish for rice, idli, dosa, and other South Indian meals. It can be eaten dry or mixed with water or oil to create a chutney