Puleenji(പുളീന്ജി)

Puleenji is an important part in a traditional Kerala feast.  

Difficulty level: Easy

Preparation time: 5 min

Cooking time: 1 hr.

Makes: 

Ingredients:

Tamarind concentrate: 3 tbsp (about the size of a large lemon)

Water: 2 1/2 cups

Ginger: 1" cube, finely chopped

Green chillies: 2, finely chopped

Salt: a pinch

Jaggery: 1 1/2 cups

For tempering:

Oil: 1 tsp

Mustard seeds: 1/2 tsp

Fenugreek: 1/4 tsp

Red chillies: 2

Curry leaves: a few

Dissolve the tamarind or tamarind concentrate in water and bring to a boil. Add the chopped ginger and green chillies and mix well. On a medium flame, allow to simmer for about 40-45 min, until it starts to thicken. Add the crushed or grated jaggery and mix well. Allow to simmer for another 10 min or until desired consistency. 

For tempering, heat the oil in a skillet and add the mustard seds. Allow to splutter and add the fenugreek. Allow to splutter and add the red chillies, along with curry leaves. Add to the puleenji and mix well.

 Allow to cool completely before transferring the puleenji to a bottle. Refrigerate until the day you wish to serve it. Serve at room temperature.