VATHA KUZHAMBU

This is one of my fave recipes. Infact, my whole family loves this so mom used to cook this very often. My sis and I had renamed it to Vendiya Kuzhambu for reasons unknown. This goes awesome with a side dish of Potato fry or Yam fry. The kuzhambu tastes best when cooked with Sesame Oil.

Ingredients:

Karnai Kizhangu / Yams - 5 to 6 nos(cooked and peeled)
Tamarind Juice(thick) - 1 cup
Chilli Powder - 2tsps
Turmeric Powder- 1/2 tsp
Curry Leaves - a sprig
Salt - as per taste

For Seasoning(use Sesame Oil):
Kadala Parupu/ Channa Dal - 2 tbsps
Red Chillies - 3nos
Vendiyam / Methi seeds - 2 tsps
Peanuts - 1/2 cup ( roasted)
Seerakam / Jeera - 2 tsps
Kadugu/Mustard seeds - 2 tsps
Ulatham parupu/ Urad Dal- 2 tsps

Method:
1. In hot sesame oil, add the seasoning items. Turn off when the mustard crackles.
2. To the seasoning, add the tamarind juice. To it add 4 cups of water. Add the remaining ingredients. Let the mixture boil.
3. When the mixture boils, simmer it so that the kuzhambu attains a thick consistency.The sourness of the kuzhambu can be adjusted as per your taste by adding water.
4. Add the curry leaves. Serve hot with rice and a tbsp of sesame oil in rice.


Note:
*Sweet potato can also be used instead of yams wherein it need not be peeled or precooked.

Njoy!!!!