Puliyodharai Recipe South India's Favourites Tamarind Rice 

By : Naina Rawoo

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November 27 .  2025

 

 

 Puliyodharai is a tangy, spicy South Indian rice made with tamarind, spices, and tempered ingredients. It's a temple style favourites,  especially in Tamil Nadu!

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Ingredients You’ll Need For Puliyodharai Tamarind Rice 

Rice  Tamarind paste   Chana dal   Urad dal , Peanuts   Jaggery    Red chilies  Spice powders :  Hing, turmeric ,coriander seeds ,methi seed,, sesame seeds  Salt , oil, lemon Curry leaves ,cashew 

Prepare Tamarind Extract 

 Soak tamarind in warm water and extract thick juice. This is the soul of Puliyodharai tangy and rich 

Prepare Masala 

 To a kadai add oil heat it. Then add 1  urad dal, chana dal, coriander seeds, 2 red chillies, methi seeds and 1 seeds. Roast it in low flame until golden brown.

 Prepare Grind It

 Transfer to a mixer jar cool down Then grind it to a slightly coarse powder as you can see.

 Make the Puliyodharai Paste 

 Heat oil, add mustard seeds, dals, chilies, curry leaves, peanuts, and hing  , turmeric, ,salt. Cook till it thickens.

 Add Tamarind 

 Add prepared tamarind extract to strainer press well to extract pulp completely

 Prepare Mixture Thick 

 Let it boil.Water slowly starts reducing and the mixture becomes thick.oil has started to separate at the edges. this is the right consistency

 Add Jaggery 

 he mixture has become thick and oil has started to separate at the edges. this is the right consistency. and Add 1 teaspoon powdered jaggery.

 Mix With Cooked Rice 

 Add the cooled Puliyodharai paste to plain, cooled rice. Mix gently for even coating. Let it rest for 10 mins to soak in flavor!

 Serve & Enjoy 

 Puliyodharai is perfect for lunchboxes, travel, or temple-style prasadam. Serve with papad or curd for a divine combo 

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