புளி (Tamarind) is a key ingredient in South Indian cooking, known for its distinctive tangy and sweet-sour flavor. It comes from the tamarind tree, where the pulp is extracted from the pods and used in various dishes. Dark brown and sticky in texture, tamarind adds a unique taste to recipes like Sambar, Rasam, chutneys, and gravies. It is also packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making it beneficial for digestion, heart health, and immunity. Tamarind is an essential souring agent that brings depth and richness to many traditional South Indian meals.