Puli Koozh Recipe – A Traditional Tamil Breakfast Delight
Puli Koozh is a comforting and tangy rice-based dish from Tamil Nadu, commonly enjoyed for breakfast or lunch. This dish is a perfect blend of flavors from tamarind, lentils, and spices, making it a healthy, vegetarian, and wholesome option. The recipe includes a smooth rice paste combined with flavorful seasonings and a rich tamarind gravy, which gives Puli Koozh its signature taste. Typically served with coconut chutney and filter coffee, it’s a dish that brings out the heart and soul of Southern Indian cuisine.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Idli Rice (Rice for making batter) | 1 cup |
| Tamarind | 1 tablespoon |
| Sesame Oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai) | 1 teaspoon |
| Chana Dal (Bengal Gram) | 2 tablespoons |
| Urad Dal (White Lentils) | 2 tablespoons |
| Curry Leaves | A few leaves (optional) |
| Dried Red Chilies | 3 |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1 tablespoon |
| Turmeric Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Water | 3.5 cups |
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Cuisine: Tamil Nadu
Course: Breakfast/Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Soak the Rice
Begin by washing the rice thoroughly. Soak the rice in water for about 5 to 6 hours. After soaking, drain the water and set the rice aside. -
-
Grind the Rice Paste
In a mixer grinder, add the soaked rice along with a small amount of water. Grind it into a smooth paste. Let this paste sit for 3 to 4 hours separately. -
Extract Tamarind Juice
In a bowl, add tamarind and some water. Extract the tamarind juice and set it aside for later use. -
Heat the Oil and Temper the Spices
In a large pan or kadhai, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, add the dried red chilies and cook for about 15 seconds to release their flavor. -
Cook Lentils and Curry Leaves
Add chana dal and urad dal to the pan, and cook until they turn golden brown. Add curry leaves and stir for a few more seconds until they become crispy. -
Prepare the Tamarind Broth
Pour the tamarind juice into the pan, along with 3.5 cups of water. Add turmeric powder and salt to taste. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. -
Combine with Rice Paste
Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the rice paste to the pan, stirring continuously to ensure no lumps form. Keep stirring for about 8 to 10 minutes until the mixture thickens and the rice paste is fully incorporated into the liquid. -
Serve
After the mixture has thickened and reached a smooth, porridge-like consistency, turn off the heat. Serve the Puli Koozh hot, garnished with extra curry leaves if desired. -
Traditional Serving
Puli Koozh is best enjoyed with coconut chutney and filter coffee, making it a delightful breakfast or lunch option that is both flavorful and filling.
Enjoy Your Delicious Puli Koozh!
This savory dish is a wonderful way to start your day, offering a burst of flavors and nutrients from the rice, tamarind, lentils, and spices. Whether you’re looking for a fulfilling breakfast or a light lunch, Puli Koozh fits the bill perfectly!
