Masala Kuzhambhu

This is a spicy,tangy and flavorful kuzhambhu which is my grand mother signature recipe.She used to make this one with the fresh field beans(mochai) and drumstick,used the stone  grinder(ammi) to grind the coconut.Since I don't get the fresh field beans here,made it with chick peas  and goes very well with rice as well as idly,dosa.Now on to the recipe....

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Chick peas/white channa	1cup(cooked)
Onion	1no.(medium size)
Tomato	2nos.(medium size)
Garlic	3 pods
Drumstick	1no.
Red Chilly powder	11/4tsp
Coriander powder	21/2tsp
Turmeric powder	1/8tsp
Tamarind paste	3/4tsp diluted in 1/4 cup of water
Salt	to taste
Fennel seeds	1/2tsp
Cloves/lavangam	3nos.
Cinnamon	1 inch piece
Star anise	1no.
Curry leaves	1sprig
Coriander leaves	to garnish
Oil	1tbs

To grind

Ingredient	Quantity
Coconut(grated)	4tbs
Fennel seeds	1/2tsp
Poppy seeds(kasakasa)	1/2tsp
Garlic	1clove
Ginger	a small piece

Method

                                   Chop the onion,garlic and tomatoes to fine pieces,cut the drumstick to 2 inch pieces.Cook the chick peas in the pressure cooker with a pinch of salt.Grind the ingredients given to fine paste and keep aside.
Heat the pan with the oil,crackle the fennel seeds,cloves and cinnamon,add the onion,garlic,curry leaves.Saute till the onion becomes transparent.Once the onion is done add the tomato and cook until mushy.

Now add the drumstick pieces and saute it,then add the powders and fry it for a while and add 1/2 cup of water.Let it cook till the drumstick gets cooked and tender.

Add the tamarind and let it cook till the raw smell goes off.Add the ground paste and 1/2 cup of water,cook it for another 5-7 mins.Now add the cooked chick peas and allow it to cook for one boil.Finally add the coriander leaves and turn off the stove.

Masala Kuzhambhu is ready.Serve it with rice or idly,dosa.

• The consistency can be adjusted according to the preference,I make it thick for rice whereas for  dosa  bit watery.
• If the tomatoes are sour enough then no need of tamarind paste.
• Other veggies such as brinjal,radish,potato can also be used.
• Instead of grinding the ginger and garlic with the coconut,a tsp of ginger&garlic paste can also be used.

Posted in: Sambhar/Kuzhambu/Rasam