South Indian Pulihora: Tamarind Rice In Just 5 Steps

By Krati Purwar

September 4, 2025

Tamarind rice is a South Indian delight that completes a meal. It is tangy, a bit spicy, and a lot wholesome. If you have tried it at any restaurant, replicate its recipe at home in just a few simple steps.

Ingredients

4 tbsp tamarind paste 1 cup rice ½ tsp salt 1 tbsp jaggery ½ tsp mustard seeds Salt to taste 2 green chillies 1 red chilli 1 sprig of curry leaves ⅛ tsp asafoetida 2 tbsp oil ½ tbsp urad dal ¾ tbsp chana dal 3 tbsp peanuts

Ingredients

1 tbsp coriander seeds 2 tbsp dried coconut ¼ tsp pepper 1.5 tbsp sesame seeds ¼ tsp methi seeds ¾ tbsp chana, urad dal ½ tsp cumin, mustard seeds ⅛ tsp asafoetida

Step 1

Roast all the spices for the powder mixture and grind them into a smooth powder.

Step 2

Heat oil in a kadhai and saute mustard seeds, lentils, hing, and peanuts.

Step 3

Add curry leaves, red chillies, and green chillies. Once they are cooked, add tamarind paste and salt to taste.

Step 4

Add two tablespoons of the spice blend and cook until the oil floats on the surface.

Step 5

Add cooked rice and toss the grains on high heat. Adjust the salt and enjoy.