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tamarind rice recipe

Tamarind rice recipe

nags
Tamarind rice is a super simple rice based dish from South India with tamarind paste, peanuts, and some simple spices. Perfect for lunch boxes and picnics.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Rice
Cuisine Indian
Servings 2 -3

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lemon-sized ball of tamarind
  • 2 tbsp gingelly oil Indian sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp black mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp chana dal
  • 1 tbsp raw unsalted peanuts
  • A few curry leaves
  • 3 dry red chillies torn into pieces
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onions optional
  • 1/4 tsp hing asafoetida
  • 4 cups cooked rice I used basmati
  • Salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Soak the tamarind in 3/4 cup warm water for 30 minutes
  • Extract juice of tamarind with fingers and discard any seeds and pulp that remains
  • Heat the oil in a wide pan and add the mustard seeds, chana dal, and peanuts
  • Let the mustard seeds pop and the peanuts and dal roast to a light golden brown
  • Then add the curry leaves, red chillies, hing, and onions (if using)
  • Let these ingredients roast for 2-3 minutes or until the onions are cooked to a soft pink
  • Add the tamarind extract and bring to boil
  • Add salt and let the mixture boil until it thickens a bit
  • Add cooked rice and mix well. Adjust salt if needed
  • Let the rice sit for at least one hour before serving
  • Goes well with curd and papad or red chilli coconut chutney