Traditional and authentic Pulikachal mix / puliyodarai is a thick paste made of tamarind, dal and other spices. This is one of the popular ready mix in Tamil Nadu. We generally mix pulikachal with rice to make tamarind rice (puli sachem) and we can also use it as a pickle for the curd rice. Tamarind rice with papad / fryums is a best combo. This mix is a travel friendly dish. The Puliyodarai (Tamarind rice made using Pulikachal) will stay for even two days and very handy for the train travel. We can store this mix in an air-tight container and use it for 3-4 days. If we store in in the fridge it will come even for a month. For festivals like Aadi perukku, Kanu pandigai, this tamarind rice is one of the main dish.
Variations in making Pulikachal
- We also know Iyengar Puliyodarai is very popular. Sesame seeds will be added in this version and it brings a very good flavor to the Puliyodarai.Puliyodarai served in temple has a rich flavour of pepper. In temples, for prasadam, they have to make huge quantities of puliyodarai and so they cook in a big pan on the stove top with fire-woods which give a smoky touch to the dish.
- Andhra puliyodarai (Pulihora) is also famous for its spiciness. They make a paste of sesame seeds, peanuts and mustard seeds and they add green chillies also. Their version of puliyodarai is also very yummy.
- Karnataka style Puliyodarai (Puliyogare) - Addition of Mustard seeds and dry coconut (Kopparai Thengai) in the mix brings distinct flavor and taste
Detailed Recipe Video (in Tamil) for making Puliyodarai
Recipe card for Traditional Pulikachal
Pulikachal / Pulikachal Rice Mix / Puliyodharai Rice / Pulihora Rice
Servings: 200 grams of Pulikachal
Calories: 195kcal
Pulikachal is a thick paste required to make Puliyodharai, a traditional feast in Tamil Nadu. Made from Tamarind, red chilies and other handful spices cooked in sesame oil. Puliyodharai made from Pulikachal and rice is one of the integral part of train journeys. Pulikachal has a longer shelf life of upto 4 weeks,if stored in the refrigerator. Let's learn now to make Pulikachal using step by step pictures and a recipe video.
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 big lemon size Tamarind
- ¼ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1 teaspoon Jaggery grated
- Salt To Taste
For Grinding
- 2 teaspoon Coriander seeds
- 2 teaspoon Urad Dal
- 6 nos Red Chili I have used the long red chillies which are very spice. If you are using small and round chillies, you have to use atleast 12-15
- 1 sprig Curry leaves
- ½ teaspoon Fenugreek seeds
For Seasoning
- 2 tablespoon Gingelly Oil
- 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon Split Bengal Gram (Channa Dal / Kadalaparuppu)
- 1 teaspoon Split Urid Dal
- 1 tablespoon Peanuts roasted
- 1 sprig Curry leaves
- 2 nos Red Chili
- 1 pinch Asafoetida (Asafetida / Hing)
For making Puli Sadham / Puliyodharai Rice
- 1 cup Cooked Rice
Instructions
Extract the Tamarind Juice
- Soak the tamarind in water and extract the juice and keep it aside
Prepare the Pulikachal dry powder
- Heat the pan and dry fry the urdhal,fenugreek seeds, coriander seeds and curry leaves and keep it aside.
- Pour one teaspoon of an oil in a pan and fry the red chillies. Make sure that the red chillies are not getting burnt.
- Take all the fried ingredients to the to the mixer and once they are cooled, grind it to a powder(dry)
Start with Seasoning
- Now in the pan pour the gingelly oil and add the mustard seeds. When the mustard starts to sputter add the channa dhal and peanut and fry until they change their color to golden brown colour.
- Now add Hing , Curry leaves and fry once.
Let's start making Pulikachal
- Add the tamarind extract, turmeric and add the salt. Let the mixture boils till the raw smell of the tamarind goes off (about 10 minutes in medium flame)
- Now add the ground powder to the mixture and cook it in a low flame till its consistency becomes thick.Finally add the grated jaggery and then switch off the flame.
- The yummy yummy Pulikachal Mix is now ready to mix with the rice.
Lets make Puliyodharai (Pulihora Rice)
- Add cooked and cooled rice to a mixing bowl. Add a proportionate measure of Puli Kachal to the boiled rice and mix gently.
- The delicious Puliyodharai rice now can be served with Appalam/Pappadam/Vadam or any stir-fried vegetable.
Video
Notes
- You can also dry fry one tablespoon of sesame seeds, powder it and add it to the pulikachal at the final step before switching off the flame. This will give you a good aroma and taste.
Nutritional Info
Nutrition Facts
Pulikachal / Pulikachal Rice Mix / Puliyodharai Rice / Pulihora Rice
Amount Per Serving (100 g)
Calories 195
% Daily Value*
Sodium 3850mg167%
Carbohydrates 5g2%
Protein 5g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Method with step by step pictures for making Pulikachal:
- Soak the tamarind in water and extract the juice and keep it aside
- Heat the pan and dry fry the urdhal,fenugreek seeds, coriander seeds and curry leaves and keep it aside.
- Pour one teaspoon of an oil in a pan and fry the red chillies. Make sure that the red chillies are not getting burnt.
- Take all the fried ingredients to the to the mixer and once they are cooled, Grind it to powder(dry).
- Now in the pan pour the gingelly oil and add the mustard seeds. When the mustard starts to sputter add the channa dhal and peanut and fry until they change their color to golden brown colour. Now add Hing , Curry leaves and fry once. Now add the tamarind extract, turmeric and add the salt. Let the mixture boils till the raw smell of the tamarind goes off (about 10 minutes in a medium flame).
- Now add the ground powder to the mixture and cook it in a low flame till its consistency becomes thick.Finally add the grated jaggery and then switch off the flame.
- The yummy yummy Pulikachal Mix is now ready to mix with the rice.
Note : You can also dry fry one tablespoon of sesame seeds, powder it and add it to the pulikachal. This will give you a different aroma and taste.
Puliyodharai Rice / Pulihora Rice
- Add cooked and cooled rice to a mixing bowl. Add a proportionate measure of Puli Kachal to the boiled rice and mix gently.
The delicious Puliyodharai rice now can be served with Appalam/Pappadam/Vadam or any stir-fried vegetable.
