Pulihora Recipe Andhra Style Tamarind Rice with Pulihora Premix rice, tempering spices & curry leaves

It is also known as chintapandu pulihora. It is one of the most basic dishes prepared during andhra festivals. Each south Indian state has a different version of this dish & most commonly these are known as Tamarind rice. Puliyogare is one such variation from Karnataka cuisine. All of these are very commonly made in traditional households during festivals & even on regular days. Pulihora is also popular in temples & is offered to the devotees as prasadam. The temple style pulihora is not only very flavorful but also delicious. Making pulihora at home with Kunzite basmati rice is simple & can be prepared even by a novice.

How to make pulihora

Step 1 : Cook the rice
To prepare this delicious Pulihora or tamarind rice recipe, wash the rice under running water in a large bowl. Next, put a pressure cooker on low flame and heat a little oil in it, when the oil is hot enough, add rice in it. Stir and then add water and close the lid of the cooker. Cook until you hear 2 whistles and let the steam release on its own.

Step 2 : Soak the tamarind, fry soaked chana dal & mix cooked rice
Now, soak the tamarind in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes and then, take out the extract of soaked tamarind. Keep aside. Afterwards, put a non-stick pan on medium flame and heat oil in it. Add soaked chana dal (soaked for an hour) in the pan and fry for a few seconds. Meanwhile, open the lid of the cooker and take out the rice in the pan, add turmeric powder along with oil in it and mix well. Turn off the burner and let it cool down.

Step 3 : Roast peanuts, saute dals & add to the rice pan
Put another non-stick pan over medium flame and heat oil in it. Roast the raw peanuts until they start to crackle. Add urad and chana dal in the pan and saute till they turn brown in colour. Once done, pour the pan contents to the rice pan. Don't mix them.

Step 4 : Prepare tamarind mixture
Once again, put a non-stick pan and heat a little oil in it over medium flame. Add mustard seeds along with red chillies, green chillies, ginger and curry leaves. Saute and then add tamarind extract along with turmeric powder and salt as per your taste. Mix all the ingredients well and bring the mixture to a boil, and let the mixture turn into a thick paste.

Step 5 : Combine tamarind mixture to rice
Once done, remove the pan from the flame and pour it over the rice. To add extra flavours, soak asafoetida in water for 10-15 minutes, mix well and then add it to the rice. Toss all the ingredients well and your Chintapandu Pulihora is ready.