Pulikachal/Tamarind Rice Paste

                                     Pulikachal is the tamarind paste we use to make Puli Sadam or Tamarind Rice.Tamarind rice is the tastiest of kalanda sadams (variety rice) because it is tangy and spicy. It is very ideal for travel because it stays fresh for a longer period.
                                    This Tamarind paste or Pulikachal can be stored in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 days.We usually make this pulikachal prior to the day we have to make puli sadam.We make this rice during pongal,aadi pandigai and chitra pournami days.It is ideal for the school lunch box.

You will Need 

• A big gooseberry sized piece of Tamarind 
• 15 Dried Red Chillies
• A pinch of Turmeric powder
• A small piece of Jaggery
• Salt to taste
• One tbs Fenugreek seeds

For the Seasoning

• 50 ml of Gingelly oil          
• Two tsp Mustard seeds     
• Two tsp Channa dhal          
• 1/2 tsp Asafoetida             
• Two tbs of Peanuts                 

How to
1.Dry roast the fenugreek seeds in a pan till it changes colour slightly.

2.Cool and powder it in a small jar of the mixer.

(you can use 1/2 tsp for the pulikachal and store the rest in a dry bottle and use it in pickles like mango thokku,tomato thokku etc)

3.Soak the tamarind in hot water for half an hour.

 4.Squeeze and extract a thick pulp form the tamarind.

 5.Heat gingelly oil in a pan crackle mustard seeds.

 6.Add channa dal and red chillies and let the dal brown till golden colour.

 7.Pour the Tamarind extract, add turmeric powder and boil it.

 8.When it thickens, add a little jaggery.

 9.Add salt and asafoetida.

10.When it thickens like a sauce add (1/2 tsp)fenugreek powder and switch off the stove.

Cool it completely and store in a dry box or a glass jar.It stays for 15-20 days if refrigerated.

Notes

• Adding powdered fenugreek gives a good flavour to the pulikachal.
• Add only a little. If you add more, it will become bitter.
• Adding jaggery balances the spice and the tangy taste.
• You can add it to sevai or rice sticks and make puli sevai too!!!!