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Pulikachal (spiced tamarind paste)

Pulikachal in Tamil literally translates to puli meaning tamarind and kachal meaning an extract made by vigorous boiling. This is a very common spice mix found in South-Indian households and is normally used as a substitute for pickle. My mom is a huge fan of this flavor. In fact, she loves anything that combines spicy, tangy and sweet (who doesn't 😋!). The combination of curd-rice and pulikachal is simply mind blowing. As kids, whenever there wasn't anything interesting to go with our rice, my mom would just mix this in and make a wonderful dish known as Puliodarai (tamarind spiced rice). So, read on to find out how this tangy, spicy and flavor packed condiment is made. Enjoy and let me know in the comments below how you find this recipe. 😊😊
SERVES: 8-10
 PREP TIME: 15 min
COOK TIME: 45 mins
  • 1 cup tamarind
  • 2 spoons ginger (finely chopped)
  • 1 cup peanuts
  • 1 tbsp chana dal
  • 1 tbsp urad dal
  • 2 sprig curry leaves
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 2 dried red chilies
  • 1 tbsp mustard seeds
  • ½ turmeric powder
  • ¼ tsp asafoetida 
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 4-5 green chilies
  • salt
  • 4 spoon sesame oil 
1. Soak:  In a small bowl soak the tamarind in warm water. 

2. Make pulikachal: In a kadai, add some sesame oil, mustard seeds, chana dal, urad dal, curry leaves and asafoetida. Once the mustard seeds start to crackle add the finely chopped ginger. Saute this for about 2 mins. Now, add the green chilies, dry red chilies and saute this also for 1-2 mins. Once the chilies are cooked, add the tamarind puree. Then, add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, salt and jaggery powder. Mix all these ingredients properly and add ¼ cup water. Cook this till the mix turns thick, but with a flowing consistency (about 20-25 mins). Now crush some sesame seeds and peanuts in a mixi bowl and add on top. Mix this well and enjoy your new favorite condiment. 😊😊

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