Instant Puliyodharai Powder Recipe (Puliyogare/Pulihora Powder)
Puliyodharai, also known as Puliyogare or Pulihora, is a beloved South Indian rice dish characterized by its tangy, spicy flavor profile. This dish is a quintessential part of South Indian cuisine, often making an appearance during festivals, weddings, and significant cultural events such as Kaanum Pongal, which is celebrated on the third day of the Pongal festival. The bold tamarind flavor deepens as it sits, making Puliyodharai a fantastic option for lunch boxes or picnics. Over time, the dish’s spicy, sour notes become even more intense, enhancing its appeal. The versatility and flavor-packed nature of this dish have cemented its place as a go-to recipe in many South Indian homes.
In this Instant Puliyodharai Powder recipe, we present a quick and convenient method to prepare the essential tamarind spice mix (puliyodharai powder), which can be stored for months and used to effortlessly prepare this popular dish. The ingredients come together in a perfect blend of roasted dals, seeds, spices, and tamarind, resulting in a flavorful powder that serves as the base for making the rice dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tamarind | 100 grams |
| Jaggery (powdered) | 1/4 cup |
| Asafoetida (hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| For Roasting | |
| Chana dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1/2 cup |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1/2 cup |
| Coriander (Dhania) Seeds | 1/2 cup |
| Dry Red Chillies (Gundu or Milagai) | 10 |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 1 tablespoon |
| Sesame seeds (Til seeds) | 1 tablespoon |
| Flax seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Sunflower seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Melon seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Methi Seeds (Fenugreek Seeds) | 1 teaspoon |
| Sesame (Gingelly) Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| For Tempering | |
| Raw Peanuts (Moongphali) | 1/2 cup |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 tablespoon |
| Sesame (Gingelly) Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Dry Red Chillies | 5 |
| Curry leaves | 1/2 cup (washed and pat dried) |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Roasting the Ingredients
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Begin by heating a kadai (pan) over medium heat. Add the following ingredients to dry roast: Chana dal, White Urad dal, Coriander seeds, Dry red chillies, Black peppercorns, Sesame seeds, Flax seeds, Sunflower seeds, Melon seeds, and Methi seeds. Roast them until the dals start to turn golden and release a pleasant aroma. Once roasted, turn off the heat and set aside to cool.
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In the same pan, lightly roast tamarind on low heat for about a minute. Set it aside to cool.
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In a small pan, heat 1 teaspoon sesame oil and roast the dry red chillies for 1-2 minutes on low heat. Set these aside as well.
Step 2: Preparing the Tempering
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In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil over medium heat and roast the raw peanuts for 2-3 minutes. Once roasted, remove them and set them aside.
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In the remaining oil, fry the curry leaves until they turn crisp, but do not allow them to brown. Once crisp, remove and set aside.
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To the same pan, add mustard seeds and let them crackle. Once they crackle, take the mustard seeds out and set them aside with the curry leaves and peanuts.
Step 3: Grinding the Powder
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Now, take the cooled roasted ingredients (dals, seeds, tamarind, jaggery, asafoetida, and salt) and grind them together into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mixer.
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Combine the freshly ground powder with the tempering mixture (peanuts, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dry red chillies) and mix thoroughly.
Step 4: Storing the Powder
- Allow the mixture to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container for storage.
Step 5: Serving the Puliyodharai Powder
- This Instant Puliyodharai Powder can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 months in a cool, dry place. When you’re ready to prepare the rice dish, refer to the recipe for Puliyodharai (Puliyogare Rice) and simply mix this powder with cooked rice and a tad bit of oil or ghee to create a tangy, flavorful meal.
Optional Tip: For an extra boost in nutrition, you can add sesame, flax, and melon seeds and roast them delicately over a low flame. This enhances both the flavor and the health benefits of the powder.
Conclusion
The Instant Puliyodharai Powder recipe brings the vibrant, zesty flavors of South India right into your kitchen. Perfect for festive occasions, family gatherings, or even as a simple lunch box dish, this powder is not only easy to make but also ensures that you can enjoy the tangy and spicy delight of Puliyodharai whenever you like. With its long shelf life, you’ll have a ready-made spice mix to prepare this delectable dish on short notice, adding convenience and flavor to your meals. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a quick, homemade meal, this Instant Puliyodharai Powder is your go-to solution for authentic South Indian taste!
