Authentic South Indian Puliogare Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of cooked rice
  • 1/4 cup of tamarind extract
  • 1/2 cup of dry grated coconut
  • 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
  • 2 tablespoons of jaggery/sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of asafoetida (hing)
  • 2 teaspoons of mustard seeds
  • 2 teaspoons of urad dal
  • 2 teaspoons of chana dal
  • 2 dried red chilies
  • 1 sprig of curry leaves
  • 1/4 cup of raw peanuts
  • salt to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add mustard seeds, urad dal, chana dal, and peanuts to the pan. Sauté until they turn golden brown.
  3. Add the dried red chilies and curry leaves to the pan. Continue to sauté for another minute.
  4. Add the tamarind extract, jaggery/sugar, turmeric powder, and asafoetida. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Cook until the mixture thickens to a sauce-like consistency, then add the grated coconut and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
  6. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
  7. Place the cooked rice in a large bowl and add the cooled tamarind mixture. Mix gently to combine, taking care not to break the rice grains.
  8. Adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or jaggery/sugar to taste.
  9. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil over the puliogare before serving.

Tools for making

  • Pan - A sturdy pan to sauté the ingredients and cook the tamarind mixture.
  • Large Bowl - A bowl large enough to mix the cooked rice and tamarind mixture together.
  • Spatula - A spatula or wooden spoon for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pan.
  • Measuring Cups - Measuring cups to accurately measure the ingredients.
  • Knife - A knife to chop the dried red chilies and curry leaves if needed.

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of rice such as basmati rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice.
  • Add vegetables like grated carrots, green peas, or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.
  • Include roasted cashews or almonds for a crunchy element.
  • Replace tamarind extract with lemon juice or mango pulp for a tangy twist.
  • Add roasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for extra flavor and crunch.
  • Include grated ginger or garlic for a more intense flavor profile.
  • For a spicier version, add red chili powder or chopped green chilies.
  • Experiment with different spices like cumin, coriander, or fenugreek seeds to enhance the taste.
  • Make it a vegan option by omitting the jaggery/sugar and using a vegan-friendly substitute.
  • For a protein-rich variation, add cooked chickpeas or tofu cubes.

Recipe overview

Puliogare is a classic South Indian dish that is celebrated for its unique blend of flavors. This tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet dish is primarily made of tamarind, rice, and a delightful mix of spices. This recipe takes you step-by-step through the process of making Puliogare, from preparing the tamarind sauce to mixing it with perfectly cooked rice. The rich flavor profile of this dish comes from the mustard seeds, dried red chilies, curry leaves, and coconut, which are subtly balanced with sweetness from the jaggery or sugar. What makes this recipe a standout is the addition of sesame oil which brings all the elements together and highlights the individual flavors. Whether you're a fan of South Indian cuisine or trying it for the first time, Puliogare is a dish that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Enjoy it as a main course or as a part of a traditional Indian meal.

Common questions

  1. Can I use leftover rice for this recipe? Absolutely! Using leftover rice is a great way to make puliogare quickly and easily.
  2. Can I substitute tamarind paste for tamarind extract? Yes, you can substitute tamarind paste if you don't have tamarind extract. Use approximately 1 tablespoon of tamarind paste mixed with water to make the extract.
  3. Is there a substitute for grated coconut? If you don't have grated coconut, you can substitute it with desiccated coconut or coconut milk powder. However, the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
  4. Can I use any other oil instead of sesame oil? While sesame oil adds a distinct flavor to puliogare, you can use any cooking oil of your choice if you don't have sesame oil available.
  5. Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, peas, or beans to enhance the nutritional value and texture of the dish. Simply sauté the vegetables along with the mustard seeds and other ingredients in step 2.
  6. Can I make puliogare in advance? Puliogare tastes best when freshly prepared. However, you can make the tamarind mixture in advance and store it separately. Mix it with the rice just before serving to retain the texture of the rice.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large Pan - Used for sautéing the ingredients and preparing the tamarind mixture.
  • Spatula - Helps in stirring and mixing the ingredients while cooking.
  • Bowl - Used for mixing the rice with the tamarind mixture.
  • Measuring Cups - Required for accurately measuring the ingredients.
  • Knife - Used for chopping the dried red chilies and curry leaves.
  • Grater - Used to grate the coconut for the recipe.

Origin stories

Puliogare, a tangy and spicy rice dish, has its roots deeply embedded in the South Indian cuisine, particularly in the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The name 'Puliogare' interestingly translates to 'tamarind rice' in Kannada and Tamil, reflecting the dish's key ingredients. The dish is traditionally prepared during festivals, religious ceremonies, and is often found in temple prasadams, but is also enjoyed as a simple, comforting meal at home. The beauty of this dish is that it can be prepared with leftover rice, making it a practical and delicious solution to avoiding waste. Puliogare has even found its way onto the menu of the Indian Space Research Organisation, where it has been adapted into a ready-to-eat meal for astronauts, proving that this humble dish is truly out of this world!

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.