### Puli Sevai: Tamarind Flavored Idiyappam
Puli Sevai, an exquisite South Indian delicacy, serves as a swift and tasty breakfast choice crafted from leftover Idiyappam, also referred to as steamed rice noodles. This dish is a fundamental part of many homes, valued for its straightforwardness and the diverse flavors it can bring.
#### What is Idiyappam?
Idiyappam, or rice string hoppers, represents a classic South Indian dish prepared from rice flour. It should not be mistaken for vermicelli (semiya), since Idiyappam features a distinctive texture and method of preparation. The rice flour is blended with water to create a dough, which is then pushed through a mold to form slender noodles. These noodles are steamed until they are cooked, yielding a soft and airy texture.
#### The Essence of Puli Sevai
Puli Sevai is fundamentally Idiyappam mixed with a tempering of spices and infused with tamarind, providing a tangy and savory flavor. The dish can be tailored with an assortment of ingredients, such as lemon, tomato, coconut, black pepper, and yogurt, making it flexible and responsive to individual taste preferences.
#### Preparation of Puli Sevai
To create Puli Sevai, adhere to these straightforward steps:
1. **Ingredients**: Collect leftover Idiyappam, tamarind paste, mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves, green chilies, and salt.
2. **Tempering**: In a skillet, heat oil and add mustard seeds. When they crackle, incorporate urad dal, curry leaves, and diced green chilies. Sauté until aromatic.
3. **Mixing**: Introduce the tamarind paste and salt to the tempering, then add the Idiyappam. Gently toss everything together to guarantee the noodles are thoroughly coated with the tamarind blend.
4. **Serving**: Present hot, garnished with fresh coriander or grated coconut if preferred.
#### Quick Tips
– If you’re pressed for time, ready-made instant rice sevai can serve as a replacement for homemade Idiyappam.
– Feel free to add extra ingredients like vegetables or nuts to boost the nutritional content and flavor of the dish.
#### Conclusion
Puli Sevai is not just a swift and simple breakfast alternative but also a delightful method to make use of leftover Idiyappam. Its tangy flavor profile, coupled with the fragrant spices, renders it a favorite among South Indian tiffins. Whether relished at breakfast or as a light dinner, Puli Sevai is guaranteed to please your palate and keep you invigorated all day long.