Puliyogare Recipe: Tangy and Spicy Famous South Indian Tamarind Rice

Puliyogare, also known as tamarind rice, is a traditional South Indian dish renowned for its bold flavours and aromatic spices. This tangy and spicy rice preparation is a staple in many households and is often served as a main course or during festive occasions. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of making authentic Puliyogare at home, allowing you to savour the unique taste of South Indian cuisine.

Ingredients:

For the Puliyogare Paste:

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon chana dal (split Bengal gram)
• 1 teaspoon urad dal (split black gram)
• 10-12 curry leaves
• 2 tablespoons peanuts
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 1 tablespoon dry red chilli flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 cup tamarind pulp
• Salt to taste

For the Rice:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably short-grain)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
• 10-12 cashew nuts
• Curry leaves
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts (optional)
• 2 tablespoons grated coconut (optional)
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing

Method:

1. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. Once they start to splutter, add chana dal, urad dal, curry leaves, peanuts, sesame seeds, coriander seeds, dry red chilli flakes, and fenugreek seeds. Sauté until the dals turn golden brown and the spices release their aroma.
2. Remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool. Once cooled, grind it into a coarse powder.
3. In a separate pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds. When they crackle, add asafoetida, cashew nuts, and curry leaves. Sauté until the cashews turn golden brown.
4. Add the ground spice powder to the pan and mix well with the tempering.
5. Add tamarind pulp, turmeric powder, and salt to the pan. Stir everything together to form a thick and tangy paste. Cook for a few minutes until the flavours meld together.
6. Add the cooked rice to the pan and gently mix it with the Puliyogare paste until all the rice grains are coated evenly.
7. If desired, you can add roasted peanuts and grated coconut for extra texture and flavour.
8. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve Puliyogare hot or at room temperature.

Tips:

• Adjust the tanginess and spiciness of the Puliyogare paste according to your preference by adjusting the tamarind pulp and red chilli flakes.
• For a richer flavour, you can add a teaspoon of jaggery to balance the tanginess of the tamarind.

Finally:

Puliyogare brings together the tangy flavours of tamarind, the aromatic spices, and the comforting goodness of rice in a single dish. This traditional South Indian delicacy offers a burst of flavour with every bite. Prepare Puliyogare at home and experience the delightful combination of tanginess, spiciness, and the comforting satisfaction of a hearty meal. Let this authentic recipe transport you to the vibrant flavours of South India and enjoy the irresistible taste of Puliyogare.