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Inji Puli Pickle, The Flavour Bomb Of Onam Sadya

Inji Puli Pickle, The Flavour Bomb Of Onam Sadya

KeralaKeralaEasyEasy
Inji Puli Pickle, The Flavour Bomb Of Onam Sadya
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Inji Puli
Pickle, The Flavour Bomb Of Onam Sadya

45 mins
Cooking Time
Easy
Difficulty
14
Ingredients
Vegan
Diet
Inji Puli is Kerala's most treasured condiment, an integral part of the grand Onam sadhya feast that celebrates the homecoming of legendary King Mahabali. The name translates to "ginger tamarind," perfectly describing this tangy-sweet curry that serves as both a palate cleanser and digestive aid during the elaborate 20-dish banquet. Traditionally served as the third or fourth item on the banana leaf, right after salt and banana chips, this glossy, jam-like condiment blends sourness from aged black tamarind, heat from chillies, and sweetness from jaggery and is said to aid digestion.

Ingredients

UNITSIngredients
200g (¾ cup)Fresh ginger (inji chopped)
40g (¼ cup)Black tamarind (puli)
4 tbspCoconut oil or sesame oil
1 tspMustard seeds
5Dried red chillies
6Green chillies
1 sprigCurry leaves
¼ tspTurmeric powder
1 tspRed chilli powder (mild)
¼ cupJaggery powder
½ tspRoasted fenugreek seeds powder
¼ tsp Asafoetida powder
to tasteSalt
2 cupsHot water

Follow
Directions

Description - Step 1

Step 1: Prepare tamarind extract

Soak tamarind in hot water for 30 minutes. For easier extraction, pressure cook for one whistle. Extract thick pulp using water to make approximately 2 cups of tamarind juice. Set aside.

Description - Step 2

Step 2: Prepare ginger

Wash and peel ginger using a serrated knife or spoon. Slice thinly lengthwise, then cut into fine strips (julienne), and finally chop finely. Alternatively, use a food processor for quicker preparation.

Description - Step 3

Step 3: Create the tempering base

Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add dried red chillies and a pinch of asafoetida, allowing the aromatics to release their fragrance.

Description - Step 4

Step 4: Cook the ginger

Add finely chopped ginger to the tempered oil. Fry on medium heat until the ginger turns golden brown and aromatic, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Description - Step 5

Step 5: Add aromatics

Add chopped green chillies, curry leaves, and turmeric powder. Fry for 30 seconds to 1 minute on low heat until the curry leaves become crisp.

Description - Step 6

Step 6: Add tamarind and spices

Pour in the tamarind extract, add red chilli powder and remaining asafoetida. Mix well and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Description - Step 7

Step 7: Reduce and concentrate

Lower heat to medium and let the mixture simmer until it reduces to half its volume, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Description - Step 8

Step 8: Final seasoning

Add salt, jaggery powder, and roasted fenugreek powder. Mix well and continue cooking until the mixture becomes thick, shiny, and glossy with a flowing consistency like loose jam.

Step 1
Step 1: Prepare tamarind extract
30 minutes (soaking) + 5 minutes
Step 2
Step 2: Prepare ginger
10 minutes
Step 3
Step 3: Create the tempering base
2 minutes
Step 4
Step 4: Cook the ginger
5 minutes
Step 5
Step 5: Add aromatics
1 Minute
Step 6
Step 6: Add tamarind and spices
2 Minutes
Step 7
Step 7: Reduce and concentrate
8 minutes
Step 8
Step 8: Final seasoning
3 minutes

Plate it up!

Plating Instructions

plating-instructions-image

Serve Inji Puli in small portions on banana leaves for authentic presentation, or in small bowls as a condiment alongside the main meal.

... Read More

Pairing Instructions

pairing-instructions-image

In traditional sadya, place Inji Puli as the third or fourth item on the banana leaf. For regular meals, serve small amounts alongside rice and curry to aid digestion and enhance flavours.

... Read More

Garnishing Instructions

garnishing-instructions-image

Garnish with a few fresh curry leaves and a light drizzle of coconut oil for authentic presentation. The natural glossy texture of the condiment is its own beautiful garnish.

... Read More

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