Puliyogare (Tamarind Rice)

Servings - 2

This is a traditional recipe in most South Indian households.
Generally prepared on special occasions, however,
I tend to prepare it very frequently because of its pungent hot and sour taste , yum !

Ingredients:

1 cup rice , cooked and cooled.
1 tbsp tamarind paste
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tbsp salt (or according to taste)

For seasoning:

2 tbsp shelled peanuts
1 tbsp chana dal
1 tbsp urad dal
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 sprig of curry leaves.
3 tbsp oil

Method:

Prepare the rice a day in advance.
After the rice has cooled, mix the tamarind paste, turmeric and salt into the rice.
Mix thoroughly, making sure that no lumps of tamarind or salt remain.
This is best if the rice is to be served the follwing morning.

Just before serving, take 2 tbsp in a heavy bottomed pan.
Add mustard seeds, chana dal and urad dal to the pan.
Add the peanuts to the pan too. Once mustard seeds start spluttering
and peanuts are nicely fried, add the curry leaves.
Also add cinnamon powder or allspice powder, if you like the taste.
Add the tamarind - rice mixture and mix thoroughly.

Heat the rice through and serve immediately with desired choice of side dish..
A curd based raita will be a good side dish for Puliyogare.