Tamarind rice/ Puliyodharai (Serves 4)

This is an easy recipe for the traditional tamarind rice which I came across recently. There are regional differences in the preparation of this tangy rice preparation. This can be made using left over rice and makes a  great picnic meal. So guys out there gear up with the backpack and ready set go...!!!

White Rice or basmati rice 2 cups cooked and cooled
Chana dal 1 TBSP
Urad dal 1 TBSP
Chilly powder 1 to 1 ½  tsp
Turmeric powder ¼ tsp
Cumin seeds 1tsp
Green chillies 2 nos, chopped
Asafetida 2 pinches
Curry leaves 1 sprig
Mustard seeds 1 tsp
Peanuts 2 TBSP or around 10 nos
Tamarind paste 3-4 TBSP
Oil 1 TBSP
Salt as needed

Preparation

Heat oil in a pan, and splutter mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Add chana dal and urad dal. Let it become light brown in color. Now add chilly powder and turmeric powder and stir well. Next add the curry leaves followed by peanuts. Let it brown and then add green chillies and asafetida. Sauté well and add the tamarind paste (If you are using the regular tamarind soak it in the water for some time and extract the juice without any seed and pulp). Add salt and stir well for some time and wait for the mixture to boil and become thick. At this stage add the cooked rice and mix thoroughly. Make sure the rice is not getting mashed. Delicious tamarind rice is to ready to eat.

You can have this with pappad/potato chips or with yogurt.

Cheers!!!
Chitra