Spicy-Sweet Tamarind Chutney (Pulikachal): A South Indian Delight

1 hour

969 reads

4.50 from 4 votes

About Spicy-Sweet Tamarind Chutney (Pulikachal): A South Indian Delight

Experience the vibrant explosion of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors in this South Indian Pulikachal (Tamarind Chutney)! It's a fiery dance of fresh ginger and green chilies, cooled by tangy tamarind and a hint of jaggery.
This incredibly easy chutney is the perfect condiment for dosas and idlis, or simply stirred into fluffy rice. A true taste of Kerala, it's a flavor adventure you'll crave time and time again.
30-Day Indian Vegetarian Weight Loss Meal Plan

Stop Thinking About What to Cook Every Day

Healthy Eating, Kids Tiffin, PCOS and Weight loss meals, all planned out for you. Just follow the plan and cook. From ₹299.

Explore Meal Plans

Recipe Time & More

Prep20 minutes
Cook40 minutes
Total1 hour
Calories132 kcal
Serves12
Perfect ForLunch

Ingredients
 

Chutney Base

  • 300 gm Ginger fresh, peeled and finely chopped
  • 200 gm Chilies finely chopped, fresh, green
  • 200 gm Tamarind seedless pulp
  • 4 Tbsp Jaggery powdered
  • 1 Tbsp Salt

Tempering

Start Focussed Cooking Mode →

Instructions
 

  • Heat the sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and dried red chilies. Once the mustard seeds begin to pop, add the asafoetida and stir briefly. This tempering adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to the chutney.
  • Add the chopped ginger and green chilies to the pan. Sauté until the ginger and chilies soften slightly and lose their raw edge, about 5-7 minutes. The chilies should turn a vibrant light green.
  • Add the tamarind pulp, salt, and powdered jaggery to the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Reduce the heat to low and cook the chutney uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until it thickens to a desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The chutney should coat the back of a spoon.
  • Taste the chutney and adjust the salt and jaggery according to your preference. If you prefer a sweeter chutney, add more jaggery. For a spicier chutney, add a pinch of red chili powder.
  • Remove the chutney from the heat and cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel. This helps to trap the steam and further enhances the flavors. Allow the chutney to cool to room temperature.
  • Once cooled, transfer the Pulikachal to clean, dry glass jars. Store the chutney in the refrigerator. It will last for several weeks when properly refrigerated.
    Spicy-Sweet Tamarind Chutney (Pulikachal): A South Indian Delight - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers

Recipe Notes

Good To Know

  • I used less spicy Bhavnagari chilies, which add a delicious tang without excessive heat. If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to use hotter chilies.
  • You can use either large or small chilies according to your preference.

Expert Tips

  • For a smoother sauce, blend the chilies with a little bit of the pickling liquid or vinegar.
  • Adjust the amount of sugar or sweetener to balance the tartness of the chilies and achieve your desired level of sweetness.
  • Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasonings accordingly. You can add more salt, chili flakes, or other spices to enhance the flavor.

Storage Instructions

  • Store the chili sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Also See

Explore Recipes by Tags kerala recipessouth indian recipes

Please appreciate the author by voting!

4.50 from 4 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 132kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 1gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 646mgPotassium: 263mgFiber: 2gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 149IUVitamin C: 26mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg

Amrita Iyer
Amrita Iyer

I am a passionate foodie who loves to cook, serve and love to see people relishing my creations. Since the time I was small I used to wonder about the 'how' of things in the kitchen.

Then when I finally ventured as an unprofessional kitchen helper for my late grand-mother (a par excellent cook in her own generation) I was fascinated by the amount of stuff you could do to a simple milk and rice to form a most yummy pudding.

Here I am sharing my recipes with a will to learn from some and educate others as well!

Articles: 68
30-Day Indian Vegetarian Weight Loss Meal Plan

Guest Post / Advertise on Plattershare

Writers, food bloggers & brands - collaborate with us

See Details

4 Comments

4.50 from 4 votes

Leave a Reply