Tamarind rice is often flavored with cilantro.
Tamarind rice is an Indian dish that is eaten all over the world. The main seasoning of the rice dish is tamarind, although it is usually seasoned with sesame, coriander, curry and pepper. Other common ingredients in tamarind rice include peanuts, butter, and oil. The rice used for tamarind rice is usually long grain, such as Basmati, Jasmine, or Carolina rice, although it is possible to use short grain rice. The dish has a slightly tart and tangy flavor, but is also slightly sweet and tangy.
Fenugreek is a popular ingredient in Indian dishes.
Some tamarind rice recipes also include ingredients like mustard seeds, grated coconut, fenugreek seeds, and grated brown sugar for sweetness. The ingredients, with the exception of the tamarind, can be experimented with and substituted according to one’s taste. When one cooks tamarind rice, long-grain rice is typically prepared, and the tamarind is often combined with seasonings and ground to form a smooth paste. The paste is then combined with the finished product. Tamarind rice is also known as pulihora, which means sour rice.
Tamarind, which basically translates to Indian date, is a tree native to Africa. Tamarind leaves are not used in the dish; instead, the pulp of the fruit is used. Tamarind is also incorporated into many other dishes, including chutney. It is also included in condiments such as Worcestershire sauce. In India, tamarind is used as a pickling agent and natural laxative.
An alternative to using ground tamarind to obtain a smooth pulp or paste in the dish is to use tamarind extract. While the extract does not provide the well-known texture and consistency of traditional tamarind rice, it greatly reproduces its tart, sweet, tangy, and pungent flavor. Tamarind extract is sold in many supermarkets and markets around the world, although you will need to go to a specialty store to purchase the extract in some regions.