Authentic South Indian Pulihora Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups of Basmati Rice
5 tablespoons of Vegetable Oil
2 teaspoons of Mustard Seeds
3 tablespoons of Split Urad Dal
2 tablespoons of Chana Dal
2 Dry Red Chillies
10-15 Curry Leaves
1/4 teaspoon of Asafoetida
1/4 teaspoon of Turmeric Powder
1/2 cup of Roasted Peanuts
2 Green Chillies, chopped
1 inch Ginger, finely chopped
1/2 cup of Tamarind Puree
2 teaspoons of Salt, or to taste
2 tablespoons of Jaggery (optional)
Chopped Cilantro for garnishing

Steps and instructions

Cook the basmati rice in a rice cooker or a pot so that each grain is separate. Once cooked, spread it on a plate and keep aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds, split urad dal, chana dal, dry red chillies, curry leaves, and asafoetida. Fry until they turn slightly brown.
Now add turmeric powder, roasted peanuts, chopped green chillies, and finely chopped ginger to the pan. Mix well and cook for a minute.
Meanwhile, in a separate pan, heat the tamarind puree over medium heat. Add salt and jaggery to it. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens slightly. This should take around 5-7 minutes.
Now, add the tamarind mixture to the pan with spices. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Add this tamarind and spice mixture to the cooked rice. Mix gently, making sure all the rice is well coated with the mixture.
Garnish the Pulihora with chopped cilantro and serve warm.

Tools for making

Rice Cooker or Pot - for cooking the basmati rice
Pan - for frying the spices and mixing the cooked rice
Spatula - for stirring the ingredients in the pan
Plate - for spreading the cooked rice and keeping it separate
Chopping Board - for chopping the green chillies and ginger
Knife - for finely chopping the green chillies and ginger
Measuring Spoons - for accurately measuring the mustard seeds, split urad dal, chana dal, turmeric powder, asafoetida, salt, and jaggery
Cooking Spoon - for mixing the tamarind puree and spices with the cooked rice

Recipe variations

Add roasted cashews or almonds for extra crunch and flavor.
Include grated coconut for a tropical twist.
Add vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers to make it more colorful and nutritious.
For a spicier version, increase the number of green chillies or add red chilli powder.
Replace basmati rice with other types of rice like jasmine rice or brown rice for a healthier alternative.
For a tangier taste, add a squeeze of lemon juice along with the tamarind puree.
Experiment with different spices like fenugreek seeds or cumin seeds for unique flavor profiles.
Make it vegan by substituting ghee with vegetable oil.
For a protein-packed version, add cooked chickpeas or tofu.
Customize the level of sweetness by adjusting the amount of jaggery or omitting it altogether.
Include raisins or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness and texture.

Recipe overview

Pulihora is a tangy and spicy South Indian rice dish often made during festivals or special occasions. This recipe guides you through the process of preparing this delightful dish from scratch. The key to this recipe is the tamarind paste that gives Pulihora its characteristic tangy flavor, balanced by the heat from the chillies and the crunchiness of the roasted peanuts. Expect to be involved in a little bit of frying and mixing, but the end result is a flavorful rice dish that is a true delight to your taste buds. Perfect to be served as a main dish, Pulihora is sure to add color and flavor to your meal time.

Common questions

Can I use any type of rice for Pulihora?
Basmati rice is traditionally used for Pulihora as it has a fragrant aroma and the grains remain separate after cooking. However, you can also use other varieties of rice if basmati rice is not available.
Is it necessary to use tamarind puree?
Yes, tamarind puree is a key ingredient in Pulihora as it gives the dish its tangy flavor. It is recommended to use tamarind puree, but if you don't have it, you can substitute it with lemon juice.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can adjust the spice level according to your preference. If you like it spicier, you can add more green chillies or red chilli powder. If you prefer it milder, reduce the amount of chillies or omit them.
Can I add vegetables to Pulihora?
Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, peas, or beans to enhance the nutritional value and taste of Pulihora. Chop the vegetables into small pieces and sauté them with the spices before adding the tamarind mixture.
Is jaggery necessary?
Jaggery is optional and it adds a subtle sweetness to balance the tanginess of tamarind. If you prefer a sweeter Pulihora, you can add jaggery. Otherwise, you can omit it.

Serving dishes and utensils

Rice Cooker - Useful for cooking the basmati rice perfectly.
Pan - Used for frying the spices and mixing the tamarind mixture with rice.
Spatula - To stir and mix the ingredients while cooking.
Plate - For spreading the cooked rice and letting it cool.
Chopping Board - Used for chopping green chillies and ginger.
Knife - To chop the green chillies and ginger.
Measuring Spoons - For accurately measuring the spices and salt.
Serving Bowl - To serve the Pulihora.

Origin stories

Pulihora, also known as Tamarind Rice, hails from the Southern parts of India, predominantly from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regions. It is a staple dish in these regions and is a quintessential component of traditional cuisine. Pulihora is often offered as 'Prasadam', a devotional offering to the Gods, in many South Indian temples, owing to its long shelf life and the ease of its preparation. This aromatic and tangy rice dish is also a common sight at festivals and celebrations. It symbolizes joy and the spirit of festivities, much like the vibrant culture of South India. Its unique blend of flavors, with a perfect balance of sour, sweet, spicy, and bitter, is representative of life's diverse experiences, hence making it more than just a dish, but a culinary metaphor of life itself.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.