Pulikkachal (Tamil Spiced Tamarind Paste)
Pulikkachal, alternately spelled pulikachal, is a spiced tamarind paste. It is commonly mixed with rice to make tamarind rice (Puliyodharai).
1 tsp coriander seeds (dhaniya)
1 tsp fenugreek seeds
1 tsp sesame seeds
3 tbsp oil
1 tsp urad dhal (black gram)
1 tsp channa dhal (split chick-peas)
4 red chiles
1 cup tamarind extract
Salt
¼ tsp asafoetida
Peanuts (optional)
Roast the coriander, fenugreek, and sesame seeds without oil. Grind into fine powder.
Heat oil in a pan and add urad dhal, chickpeas and red chilies and fry for a few minutes. Add tamarind extract and salt. Allow it to boil. Add the ground spice powder and asafoetida, and mix well.
Stir constantly until it becomes thick and the oil floats on the top of the mixture and it comes without sticking to the pan. Refrigerate and store.
You can mix this with cooked rice and serve.