How To Make Tamarind Pulihora?

Do you throng your neighbourhood temples for the lovely pulihora Prasad they offer? If you live in South India and love the tangy flavour of tamarind, then tamarind pulihora is a dish whose preparation is something you should master!

If you thought cooking this festive dish is cumbersome, you are mistaken! Tamarind pulihora, a dish that spreads a certain kind of warmness when eaten, can be made even at home! Read on to know how to make tamarind pulihora!

Pulihora – A Brief:

In the southern states of India, you will find a variety of rice dishes prevalent much like the way roti is popular in Punjab and Biryani in North India! In Andhra Pradesh cuisine too, you can find several types of yummy rice-based dishes. These are used for daily consumption and also for festive events. One such instance is Andhra Pulihora or Tamarind Rice recipe

The Pulihora is a tangy rice dish replete with spices and curry leaves having a distinct and strong flavour that makes your taste buds craving for more. To make authentic Andhra style Pulihora, it is essential you use the right spices. Resist the urge to use Pulihora instant mix powders! Use individual spices even though it might consume some time. The taste and aroma will be more enticing.

Traditional Tamarind Pulihora Recipe:

This can be prepared for dinner as well as any special ceremonies. Andhra Pulihora requires the usage of a lot of spices.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rice, cooked and cooled
• Fresh curry leaves
• Turmeric
• Tamarind pulp
• Salt
• Channa dal
• Jaggery
• Urad dal
• Dry red chilli
• Mustard seeds
• Cumin seeds
• Green chillies
• Hing
• Finely chopped ginger
• Roasted peanuts
• Roasted sesame seeds, powdered
• Oil

How To Make:

1. At first sprinkle some fresh curry leaves, oil, salt and turmeric powder on cooked and cooled rice.
2. Then heat oil in a deep pan and add mustard seeds. As they splutter, add the urad dal, channa dal, cumin seeds and dry red chillis. Fry for a few minutes on low flame. Then add the green chillies, asafoetida, and ginger and fry a little more.
3. Now, pour in the tamarind pulp along with jaggery and cook for some time. Put off the flame.
4. Add the prepared tamarind mix to rice and mix well.
5. If necessary, add a little more salt to the rice.
6. Add the roasted peanuts and sesame seeds powder and mix well.
7. Allow the spices to mix with rice and the flavour to seep in.
8. After a few hours, warm lightly and serve with yogurt.

3. A Variation Of Andhra Pulihora:

   This is a slight variation of the popular Andhra Pulihora dish, with additional spices and nuts.
   Ingredients:
   • Cooked rice
   • Tamarind pods
   • Bengal Gram
   • Urud Dal
   • A few red chillies
   • Ground Nut
   • Cashew nuts
   • Mustard Seeds
   • Asafoetida
   • Curry Leaves
   • Turmeric powder
   • Oil
   • Salt
   • Coriander seed roasted
   • Roasted groundnut powder
   How To Make:
   1. Keep the cooked rice spread in a bowl. Add some oil to it to ensure the grains do not stick together.
   2. Soak the tamarind in a bowl of water and make a thick pulp.
   3. Take the roasted coriander seeds and make a coarse powder in a grinder. Make powder frompeanuts in the same way.
   4. Then take a deep pan and heat up the oil.
   5. Add the Urud dal, Bengal gram, mustard seeds, cashew nuts and Ground nuts. Stir fry and after some time add the curry leaves, turmeric powder and asafoetida.
   6. Now, add the tamarind pulp to this mixture and add some water for boiling. Once the mixture has boiled, simmer for a few minutes.
   7. Mix the prepared thick paste to the rice and ensure the rice gets well coated with the tamarind paste.
8. You may add some more salt to suit your taste. At last, sprinkle the peanut powder and roasted coriander powder on the top. Mix everything well and serve it hot.
4.