South Indian Tamarind Rice (Pulihora)

Ingredients

• 200 g cooked basmati or sona masoori rice
• 2 tbsp thick tamarind pulp
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp chana dal
• 1 tsp urad dal
• 2 tbsp roasted peanuts
• 8–10 curry leaves
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• 1 dried red chilli (optional)

Preparation

1. Warm oil; splutter mustard, dals, chilli, curry leaves, and peanuts.
2. Stir in turmeric and tamarind pulp; cook 1–2 min until aromatic.
3. Fold in cooked rice gently until evenly coated and heated through.
4. Adjust salt and tang; rest 2 minutes off heat.
5. Fluff and portion into a bowl.
6. Serve warm as a single vegetarian main.