Andhra Style Tamarind Rice

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Tamarind is one such spice which almost everybody loves. and its an integral part of Indian cuisine. Ask any andhraite, about whats your favorite dish with Tamrind in it - I am sure the answer would be 'Tamarind Rice'. Man, I love the tangy taste of it and used to just drool over whenever my mom makes it...:D

Before I share my mom's classic recipe with you, here is a story from Ramayana, about why the Tamarind leaves are of saw-tooth shape...:)

"...During Rama’s exile, Laxmana built the hut they were to live in. He made the roof and the walls with Tamarind leaves that were large and thick. In fact, they were so big and tough that not even a drop of rain or a streak of sunlight could come in.
Sita was delighted with the hut but Rama looked unhappy. Finally he asked Laxmana to remove the tamarind leaves.

"But why?" asked Laxman in surprise, "They are perfect for protecting the hut".

"That is precisely why,” answered Rama. “Living in the forest means facing the elements and not sheltering from them. That is what Vanavaas (exile in forests) really means. We are too secure, too comfortably protected."

Laxmana smiled and said - "There is no need to remove the leaves." He shot at the leaves with his arrows until all of them were shredded and the sunlight streaked in...."

Since then the tamarind leaves have remained feathery and serrated, so goes the legend.

and remember where does own 'Bethal' of famous Vikram and Bethal stories live.. Yes, U are right, on a Tamarind Tree!

Now, enough of Tamarind talk, lets get to business a.k.a Tamarind Rice recipe!

Ingredients:

2 cups Cooked White Rice
3 tbsp of Tamarind pulp extract
few Curry leaves
Salt - to taste
few Green Chillies
2 tbsp of Oil
1/4 tbsp Turmeric

For Seasoning:

1 tbsp Urad Dal
1 tbsp Cumin Seeds
1 tbsp Chana dal
1 tbsp Mustard seeds
a pinch of Asafoetida

How to make:

1. Heat oil in a skillet, add all the ingredients listed under Seasoning. Let them splutter for a minute or so.
2. Then add chopped green chillies, curry leaves. Mix well.
3. Now add the Tamarind pulp with 3-4 tbsp of water. Cook it on medium heat for couple of minutes. Add salt and turmeric.
4. Finally add cooked rice to the tamarind mixture. Mix well and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

Note: The Rice tastes even more yummier when served the next day.

That's the magic of TAMARIND!

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Poll: I am a big fan of famous 'Akbar and Birbal' stories and am sure even you like them.
How about sharing some of their stories here at Siri's Corner. Will U be interested? Do let me know!..:D

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Take care folks and Have a great week ahead!