From the recipe box
Pacchi Pulusu (Onion Tamarind Stew)
Kooras, pappus, rasam, pulusu, kootu, and the modular sides that build a Telugu thaali.
- Meal format
- South Indian Thaali Items
- Base
- Rice, Millets, Grains
Vegetables
Onion
From my kitchenCook this meal
Ingredients & method
- Prep
- 15 mins
- Cook
- 10 mins
- Total
- 25 mins
- Serves
- 3
Ingredients
- 1large onion, finely chopped
- 1½ teaspoonsthick tamarind paste
- 1 tablespoonjaggery powder
- 1 teaspoonred chili powder
- to tasteSalt
- 2–3 cupswater
Tempering
- 2 tablespoonsoil
- ½ teaspoonmustard seeds
- 1 teaspooncumin seeds
- 1 teaspoonurad dal
- ¼ teaspoonhing
Thickener
- 2 teaspoonsrice flour
- 2–3 tablespoonswater
Notes & Tips
- Pacchi Pulusu is especially delicious when paired with a spicy, nutty Kandhi Pachadi because the mild tangy gravy balances the bold flavors of the chutney.
- Adjust the tamarind and jaggery balance based on preference — this dish should have a sweet, sour, and spicy flavor profile.
Step by step
Method
- 01
Heat oil in a small pan.
- 02
Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- 03
Add cumin seeds, urad dal, hing, and curry leaves.
- 04
Add chopped onions and sauté until slightly softened.
- 05
Add water, tamarind paste, salt, and chili powder.
- 06
Add jaggery and mix well.
- 07
Prepare rice flour slurry and add slowly.
- 08
Simmer until slightly thickened.
- 09
Remove from heat and serve.
- 10
This Pacchi Pulusu is a simple, comforting Telugu staple that lets the onion and tamarind flavors shine.
- 11
It is traditionally enjoyed with hot rice, ghee, and Kandhi Pachadi (Toor Dal Chutney).








