Tangy & Zesty Amla Rice (Usirikaya Pulihora): A South Indian Delight
30 minutes
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About Tangy & Zesty Amla Rice (Usirikaya Pulihora): A South Indian Delight
Awaken your taste buds with the vibrant flavors of South Indian Amla Rice! This tangy and nutritious dish, also known as Usirikaya Pulihora or Nellikai Chitranna, is a delightful explosion of textures and aromas.Fresh Indian gooseberries (amla) infuse fluffy rice with their signature tartness, perfectly complemented by a fragrant tempering of mustard seeds, crunchy peanuts, and cashews. Imagine the satisfying pop of each nut against the soft rice.Incredibly versatile, Amla Rice makes a zesty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a light and flavorful dinner. Experience the rich tradition and wholesome goodness of amla in every bite!
Recipe Time & More
Prep15 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Total30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Amla Paste
- 5 medium Indian Gooseberry amla
- 1 Chili green
For the Tempering
- 4 tsp Oil
- 1/2 tsp Mustard Seed
- 1 tsp Cumin Seed
- 2 tsp Peanut
- 1/2 tsp Gram black, split black gram
- 1/2 tsp Chickpea split chickpeas
- 5 Cashew
- 2 Chili dried, red
- 1 tsp Ginger chopped
- 1 sprig Curry Leaf
- 1/4 tsp Asafoetida hing
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
For the Rice
- 2 cup Rice cooked
- 1/4 cup Coriander Leaf chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Amla Paste: Wash and pat dry the Indian gooseberries. Remove the seeds and roughly chop them.
- In a blender, combine the chopped gooseberries and green chili. Blend until smooth, without adding water. Alternatively, grate the gooseberries finely.
- Make the Tempering: Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter. This releases their characteristic nutty aroma.
- Add the cumin seeds, peanuts, urad dal, and chana dal to the pan. Sauté until the dals turn golden brown and the peanuts become crunchy.
- Add the cashews and sauté until lightly golden. Be careful not to burn them, as they brown quickly.
- Add the chopped ginger, dried red chilies, and curry leaves to the pan. Sauté briefly until fragrant.
- Add the asafoetida and turmeric powder. Sauté for a few seconds until the spices bloom.
- Pour the blended amla paste into the pan. Season with salt. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the paste is heated through and well combined with the tempering.
- Combine and Serve: Gently fold the cooked rice into the amla mixture. Mix well, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the flavorful paste.
- Transfer the Amla Rice to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- Adding 1 tsp of oil while cooking rice will make rice grains separate.
- If you have large amla, you can grate it instead of grinding.
- Adjust the amount of amla to your preference.
Expert Tips
- For a richer flavor, toast the rice grains lightly before adding water. This enhances the nutty aroma and adds depth to the dish.
- Freshly grated ginger can be added along with the green chilies for an extra zing.
- A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving brightens the flavors and complements the amla.
Storage Instructions
- Amla Rice stays fresh and flavorful for up to two days when refrigerated. Bring to room temperature or gently warm before serving.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 580kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 17gFat: 45gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 26.4gFiber: 3gSugar: 5g
4 Comments
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This is amazing! Excited to make it.
Such a delicious dish! Thank you.
Looks so wonderful! Thanks for posting.
Yum! This recipe is a must-try.