Vendakkai Kuzhambu, tender okra/lady’s finger is simmered in tangy tamarind gravy. It is a South Indian Delicacy usually served with boiled white rice. In my home with the vendaikka kuzhambu, I like to serve fried appalam or appla kootu or potato paal curry.
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Ingredients:
300 grams of Okra
50 grams of small onion
1/4 cup of chopped coriander leaves
10 curry leaves
10 to 20 grams of tamarind soaked in water
1/4 cup or 4 tbsp of sesame seed oil
1/4 cup of thin coconut milk(increase to 1/2 cup, if you like coconut flavor)
2.5 to 3 cups of water
1/4 tsp of jaggery powder
1/2 to 1 tsp dry roasted fenugreek powder
1 to 1.5 tbsp dry roasted peanuts powder
For the masala:
200 grams of onion (roughly chopped)
100 grams of tomato (roughly chopped)
3 large garlic cloves
2 tbsp of sesame seed oil
Dry Spice Powder:
1/2 to 0.75 tsp of Red Chili Powder (Spice level of chili powders differs by brand and variety, So adjust accordingly)
1.5 tsp of coriander powder
1/4 tsp of cumin seeds powder
1/4 tsp of turmeric powder
Procedure:
Step 1:
Kuzhambu Masala:
1. In a pan heat, 2 tbsp of oil to that add garlic and onion, required salt fry the onions until they become translucent and starts to brown.
2. Add the tomatoes to the pan and salt for the tomatoes continue to fry until the tomatoes are soft and mashy.
3. Transfer vegetables to a plate and Let it cool completely.
4. Grind the vegetables into a thick paste, add little water if required.
Step 2:
Gravy/Kulambu
1. In the same pan or different pan, heat the required oil.
2. To the oil, add the chopped okras, salt, curry leaves, and coriander leaves.
3. Fry the okra until they become soft and roasted.
4. Add the dry Spice powders, Mix for a second.
5. Add the ground masala paste, saute for 3 minutes or until oil separates on the sides.
6. Add the tamarind Water and the plain water.
7. Add required salt, Let it boil for at least 5 minutes(5 to 8 minutes is ideal)
8. Now, add the coconut milk, again bring the Vendakkai Kuzhambu to boil for about 3 minutes.
7. Add the Jaggery and fenugreek seeds powder, mix well and simmer for 1 more minute.
9. Finally, add the peanuts powder, mix well for 30 seconds, Switch off the flame.
Serve the Vendakkai Kuzhambu with rice. Appala kootu is the best accompaniment for kara kulambu
