Pulihora (Tamarind Rice)

Ingredients :

• Rice - 3 cups
• Tamarind Extract - 5 tbsp.
• Split Bengal Gram - 2 tbsp.
• Peanuts - 0.5 cup
• Mustard Seeds - 0.5 tsp.
• Dried Red Chile - 5
• Green Chile - 4
• Black Pepper Corns - 8
• Turmeric Powder - 0.5 tsp.
• Oil - 0.5 cup
• Water - 5 cups
• Coriander Leaves - 1 bunch
• Curry Leaves - 20
• Sesame Seeds - 1 tbsp. (powdered)
• Asafoetida - 0.5 tsp.
• Salt to taste

Method :

• In a large bowl, add water and rice and cook until well done. Remove from heat and in a wide, large bowl
• spread out the rice. 
• Add turmeric, half of the curry leaves and three tablespoons of oil to the rice and mix thoroughly. 
• Keep it aside.
• Meanwhile in a skillet, heat remaining oil on low heat.
• To this add black mustard seeds, split bengal gram, red chile, pepper corns and peanuts. 
• When the Bengal gram turns light brown, add coriander leaves,remaining curry leaves, asafoetida, sliced green chilles and tamarind extract, Stir well.
• Remove from heat. Now add salt and sesame seed powder to the skillet and add it all to the bowl containing rice,mix thoroughly. 
• Serve with Verusanagapappu Pacchadi (Pickle) or plain yogurt.

Note: You can adjust the amount of tamarind extract according to your taste