Puli inji is a traditional fare of Kerala Cuisine. Literally translated puli inji is Tamarind-Ginger concoction that is a perfect accompaniment to rice or tiffin varieties. It is also called as pulikachal in some parts.
Puli Inji packs a fusion of flavours ranging from the heat of the ginger and spiciness of chillis to the sharp kick of the tamarind and the sweetness from jaggery. To make it really authentic and dishful sesame oil is used.Stored in an air-tight container and refrigerated, it can stay fresh up to 6 months.And the taste gets better as it ages !!
Puli Inji packs a fusion of flavours ranging from the heat of the ginger and spiciness of chillis to the sharp kick of the tamarind and the sweetness from jaggery. To make it really authentic and dishful sesame oil is used.Stored in an air-tight container and refrigerated, it can stay fresh up to 6 months.And the taste gets better as it ages !!
This recipe is from my hubby’s maternal grandmother who also prepared it with little help from me. She is here for some time and spending quality time with her great-grand children. I plan to learn a few traditional dishes while she is around !!
What goes:-
- Tamarind – 100 to 125 gm
- Ginger – 50 to 60 gm (washed, scraped & cut in to small pieces)
- Green Chillis – 8 to 9 – to taste (4 of them cut in half and sliced, 4 chopped)
- Jaggery – 25 gm – to taste
- Turmeric Powder – 1 tsp
- Salt – to taste
- Curry leaves – leaves of a sprig
- Sesame Oil – 1 tbsp
To Dry Roast & Grind :-
- Sesame Seeds – 2 tbsp
- Raw Rice – 1 tbsp
- Urad Dal – 1 tbsp
- Bengal Gram – 1 tbsp
- Red Chillis – 2 – to taste
- Curry leaves – a few
For the tempering :-
- Sesame Oil – 1/2 tsp
- Mustard Seeds – 1 tbsp
- Urad Dal – 1 tbsp
- Bengal Gram – 1 tsp
- Curry Leaves – a few
How:-
A look at the star ingredients; divide the ginger & green chillis in to two parts, one is added while the tamarind mix is simmering, the other is lightly fried in little oil to be added after the mix thickens !
Dry roast sesame separately and the rest separately as my grandma did and grind (if you are short of time you can combine all the ingredients & dry roast).Keep it little coarse for the earthy texture.
Soak the tamarind in hot water and extract pulp ; dilute it with 2 cups of water.
In a heavy bottomed pan pour the pulpy mix and bring to a boil. Lower the flame and let it simmer for a while.
Add turmeric powder and the sliced green chillis and let it continue thickening.
Add ginger and curry leaves. By this time the mix would have thickened considerably , add jaggery to taste.
Mix in the ground sesame powder and also add the prepared tempering along with required salt.
Now add the lightly fried green chilli-ginger to the mix and finally the rice-lentil powder . Let it remain for a little time and as it attains the desired consistency take it off heat.
Enjoy !
Good one…very nice detailed explanation!!! I really like your blog background…the burner flame…
wow.paatti's kaimanam is always best and tangy gravy.
Looks delicious, if it made by grandma, then no question asked it is delicious.
Grandma recipes are always super and i can feel the taste just by reading!! Thx for stopping by kothiyavunu and lending me to ur lovely space..catch u with more yummy treats!!
Mouthwatering and well explained. Adding sesame seeds is new to me!
Superb mouthwatering recipe looks damn good….
Awesome recipe, will try this for sure..loved the detailxplanation..Hmm..icould foresee the aroma here
Mouthwatering here, grandma's recipes are always awesome na, can guess how flavourful and tangy this dish will be..
Really nice priya- loved the recipe!
Authentic recipe,delicious,thanks for sharing dear.
its surely sounds yummy and looks tempting!…I dont add tamarind to my ginger chutney….i hav eit in my drafts…will post soon….I should try this too!
Smitha
Smitha's Spicy Flavors
Delicious combo dear..great pictorials too!
US Masala
Naaku nejamavey oorindu irriku :) Always love this – Haven't made this in a while
Loved this.Will try your granny's recipe as I am sure it would have that authentic taste.
Hi Priya, It sounds tangy, spicy and delicious!
Ooo, so many delicious flavors all together! Miriam@Meatless Meals For Meat Eaters
spicy n tangy thokku!!
good one.adding seasame is new to me.
This pulikachal looks fantastic. I first tasted it during my college days. One of my friends brought it. I was in love with that. Now, that you gave a wonderful recipe for that, I'm sure to give a try!! Thanks to your grandma :-)