This South Indian mix of peppers and spices is a popular condiment served with meals. It is traditionally made with red chilies and tamarind juice. It can be served directly on plain rice or as a spicy complement with rice curls (karuvadam) or rice papads (vadaam). Make a batch of this delight and keep it in your refrigerator
Tamarind rice (a staple food for picnic and travel by train or car) is made by mixing a concentrate of Pulikaachal. Peanuts and Chickpea lentils used in this dish provide some protein while sesame seed is a good source of fiber & B vitamins that may lower cholesterol and triglycerides. 

Story: For the AADI Festival in Tamilnadu different kinds of rice are made like coconut rice, tamarind rice, lemon rice, etc., and taken in tiffin carriers to the riverside to have a picnic. The families and children get to see the river flowing at full speed after the rainy season. They get to spend the day by playing games on its banks like flying kites, skip jump ropes, hopscotch etc.
Our mother would make concentrated Pulikaachal and mix it with rice for us children and our cousins to eat with fried rice curls (Karuvadam) for the 2-day travel by train from Mumbai to Cape Comorin (Kanya Kumari) in S. India to visit our grandparents.

Health Benefits of Bell peppers

  • Eye Health: antioxidants Lutein and Zeaxanthin prevent cataract formation and macular degeneration in seniors. 6mg of Lutein supplement per day can reduce the risk of macular degeneration by 43% as per researchers at Harvard.
  • Weight Loss: bell peppers are very low in fat and calories; an ideal snack option or a great supplement for the main meal. (1g fat and 29 calories per cup) They can be part of a diet to help lose weight with low calories (37 calories per serving) yet the water and crunching satisfy hunger. 1 cup serving of green bell pepper contains 2.5 g of fiber that helps maintain a healthy weight by keeping one full. (RDA fiber 21-25 g women, 30-38 g men)

Spice Health Benefits

  • Mustard seeds: rich in selenium; known for its high anti-inflammatory effects. Magnesium is high in mustard seeds helps to reduce the severity of asthma attacks or rheumatoid arthritis and to lower blood pressure. They are rich in calcium, manganese, omega 3 fatty acids, iron zinc, protein, and dietary fiber.
  • Fenugreek seeds: help manage diabetes, preserve brain function, prevent weight gain, improve skin and kidney health. They can alleviate menstrual pain and cramping and shows promise in treating cancer. 
  • Sambhar powder: has anti-tumorigenic properties – it counteracts the formation of tumors. Its spices coriander and fenugreek seeds, red pepper, and turmeric help in bowel movement reducing the risk of colon cancer. They do not affect the intestine’s lining but prevent the formation of “dimethylhydrazine” a factor of colon cancer.
  • Turmeric powder: is 3% curcumin with anti-inflammatory, disease-fighting, and preventive health benefits. It prevents the formation of FREE RADICALS which can be carcinogenic.
  • Asafetida powder: has a distinct aroma to transform any dish. it has antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is power-packed with Coumarin a compound that aids in improving blood flow, thus preventing blood clots.

Method to cook Bell peppers in Tamarind sauce (Pulikaachal)

  • Wash, seed, dry and dice the peppers.(5 min.)
  • Heat the oil in a frying pan. Add seasoning materials. Allow mustard seeds to splutter. 
  • Add chopped peppers and spices.
  • Sauté until peppers turn translucent.(5 min.)
  • Dissolve tamarind paste in 2 cups water and pour over sautéed peppers. 
  • Allow the sauce to boil until it is reduced to about 1 cup. (10 min.)
  • Make a paste with rice flour and 1 tbsp. water. Mix into the sauce and simmer.(5 min.)
  • Toast the sesame seeds and peanuts in a skillet until the seeds turn golden. Grind to a fine powder in a blender.
  • Add the powder to the sauce along with the brown sugar. (5 min.)

Serve Pulikaachal with Quinoa, Brown or Yogurt Rice and Papads (Vadam or Appalam)

TIPS
Sauce readiness: An indication for the sauce to be ready is when the oil floats on top. 
Time Saver: cook pre-cut peppers in a microwave with salt
Variation: Substitute (1 cup diced) red/green chilies and ginger instead of peppers for a spicier Pulikachal
https://www.naturefresh.ca/bell-pepper-faqs-facts/
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