Tamarind rice (Chintapandu pulihora/Puliyodharai/Puli sadam/Huli anna)
Also called: tamarind rice, puliyodarai, pulihora, chintapandu pulihora, puli sadam, huli anna, puliyodarai rice, tamarind rice south
Tamarind rice, or puliyodarai/pulihora, is that tangy-sour comfort food that shows up in South Indian homes, temple prasadam, tiffin boxes, and long travel lunches. The rice gets coated in a spicy tamarind paste with curry leaves, chilli, fenugreek, and a little jaggery—so every bite has that sharp, salty, slightly sweet punch that makes you go for one more spoonful.
Per 1 plate (180g)
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per plate (180g) | Per 100g |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 671.4 kcal | 373 kcal |
| Protein | 13.5g | 7.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 117.2g | 65.1g |
| Fat | 15.3g | 8.5g |
| Fiber | 9.2g | 5.1g |
| Sugar | 20.9g | 11.6g |
| Micronutrients (per 100g) | ||
| Sodium | 162.41 mg | |
| Calcium | 50.94 mg | |
| Iron | 2.89 mg | |
| Vitamin C | 0.84 mg | |
| Folate | 23.02 µg | |
What Goes Into It
Per serving (1 plate)
gastroenterology Gut Health Insight
This dish brings a nice mix of fibre and gut-friendly spices. Tamarind adds sour compounds that can stimulate digestion, while curry leaves, mustard seeds, fenugreek, hing, and chilli may help with appetite and bloating for some people. The channa dal, black gram, peanuts, and a bit of cashew add extra fibre and some prebiotic-style support, but the rice is still the main bulk, so the meal can feel heavy if the tempering has too much oil or ghee. A practical tip: pair it with a bowl of curd or a side of cucumber salad to make the meal easier on the stomach and a little more balanced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tamarind rice good for digestion?
Yes, it can be, especially because of tamarind, hing, curry leaves, fenugreek, and mustard seeds. These ingredients can support digestion and reduce that heavy feeling, but the 15.3g fat per plate can make it feel rich if the tempering is too oily.
How many calories are there in one plate of tamarind rice?
One plate of tamarind rice (180g) has about 671.4 kcal. It is quite calorie-dense because rice is the base and the tempering includes oil, ghee, nuts, and dal.
Can diabetics eat tamarind rice?
They can, but portion matters a lot because one plate has 117.2g carbs. If you're having it, keep the serving smaller and pair it with protein like curd or paneer to slow the sugar spike.
Is tamarind rice good for weight loss?
Not as a regular weight-loss meal, because one plate gives 671.4 kcal and 117.2g carbs. A smaller portion can fit, but it works better as an occasional meal than an everyday one if you're watching calories.
From the Shellel Blog
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download Get Shellel FreeNutrition data sourced from ICMR-NIN Indian Food Composition Tables (IFCT) and the Indian Nutrient Database (INDB 2024). Values are per standard serving and may vary with preparation method.