Tangy and Tempting Puliyodarai Recipe | Ganesh Chathurthi Recipes | South Indian Tamarind Rice
Get ready to awaken your taste buds with the sensational taste of Puliyodarai, a quintessential South Indian dish that boasts a perfect balance of tanginess, spiciness, and a hint of sweetness. Also known as Tamarind Rice, Puliyodarai is a flavorful one-pot meal that’s loved for its convenience and the explosion of flavors it brings to the table. Join us as we unveil the secrets to mastering this timeless delicacy.
Ingredients:
For the Tamarind Paste:
- 1 lemon-sized tamarind ball
- 1/4 cup warm water
For the Puliyodarai Mix:
- 1 cup cooked rice (preferably aged rice)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon chana dal (split chickpea lentils)
- 1 teaspoon urad dal (split black gram)
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- A few curry leaves
- 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts
- 2 tablespoons roasted cashews
- 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons Puliyodarai spice mix (available or homemade)
For the Puliyodarai Spice Mix:
- 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
- 1 tablespoon chana dal (split chickpea lentils)
- 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
- 5-6 dried red chilies
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
Instructions:
- Preparing the Tamarind Paste:
- Soak the tamarind ball in warm water for about 20 minutes.
- Squeeze and extract the tamarind juice, discarding any seeds or fibers. Set aside.
- Making the Puliyodarai Spice Mix:
- Dry roast coriander seeds, chana dal, fenugreek seeds, dried red chilies, and asafoetida in a pan until fragrant.
- Grind the roasted spices into a fine powder. This is your Puliyodarai spice mix.
- Tempering and Mixing:
- Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add chana dal, urad dal, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Sauté until the dals turn golden brown.
- Add roasted peanuts, roasted cashews, and white sesame seeds. Sauté for a minute.
- Tamarind Mixture:
- Add the tamarind paste to the tempering and mix well.
- Stir in the Puliyodarai spice mix and cook for a few minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Combining with Rice:
- Add the cooked rice to the tamarind mixture and gently combine until the rice is well-coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the Puliyodarai to sit for a while to let the flavors meld.
- Serve this zesty and aromatic delight with papad, fried curd chilies, or simply as is.
With our detailed Puliyodarai recipe, you can bring the vibrant flavors of South India to your plate. The tangy tamarind rice, infused with a medley of spices, roasted nuts, and seeds, is a treat for both your palate and your senses. Whether it’s a festive occasion or a regular meal, Puliyodarai is sure to leave you craving for more of its zesty charm.