Classic Pulihora (Tamarind Rice)

Pulihora is a tangy and mildly spiced South Indian rice dish flavored with tamarind, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and peanuts. It is a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for lunch or as a festive dish.

Steps

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. 2. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. 3. Add chana dal, urad dal, peanuts, and dried red chili, and sauté until golden brown. 4. Add curry leaves and turmeric powder; sauté briefly. 5. Stir in tamarind paste and salt; cook for 2-3 minutes until the raw tamarind smell disappears. 6. Add cooked rice, mix gently to coat the rice evenly with the tamarind mixture. 7. Cook for another 2 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally. 8. Serve warm or at room temperature.

1/2 cup cooked white rice 1 tbsp tamarind paste 1 tsp mustard seeds 1 tbsp peanuts 1 dried red chili 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp chana dal (Bengal gram split) 1 tsp urad dal (split black gram) 8-10 curry leaves 1 tbsp oil Salt to taste