Sundaikkai Vathal Kuzhambu

Sundaikkai Vathal (Dried Turkey Berry) Vathakuzhambu is the traditional kuzhambu which is made very often in our family. We make this on the next day of Ekadasi, Dwadasi along with Agathi keerai and Nellikkai thayir pachadi. This is a typical Tirunelveli Brahmin style recipe in which they add boiled moongh dal. After settling here, really it was a surprise for me to know that boiled dal is added to this vatha kuzhambu. But after tasting this I understood the reason for the unique taste of this recipe.It also tastes very delicious to have as side dish for hot Dhal Rice with ghee.

Pre time: 10 mins
Cooking time: 15 mins
Serves: 4

ALSO SEE OTHER DWADASI RECIPES AGATHI KEERAI CURRY AND NELLIKKAI THAYIR PACHADI

Ingredients for making Sundaikkai Vathal Kuzhambu:

Sundaikkai Vathal 2 table spoons (Fry to dark brown nearly black and keep aside)
Tamarind juice extracted from a Lemon sized Tamarind - 3 to 4 cups
Sesame Oil - 2 table spoons
Mustard seeds and Cumin seeds 1 tea spoon each and a red chilli for seasoning
Hing powder - 1/4 tea spoon
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tea spoon
Jaggery - A small gooseberry size
Boiled Moongh dal / Paasi Paruppu from 1 table spoon of Moongh dal

For Kuzhambu Paste:

Heat 2 tea spoons of oil in a pan and fry 2 table spoons of Urad dhal, 4 Red chillies and 1 and 1/2 table spoon pepper corns to dark brown and grind to smooth paste with water and keep aside.

Method for making Sundaikkai Vathal Kuzhambu:

Heat the Kadai with Sesame oil. Saute it with mustard seeds, cumin seeds, hing and red chillies.
After they splutter add curry leaves and turmeric powder.
Now pour the Tamarind juice to it. Allow it to boil till the raw smell goes.
Then add the Kuzhambu paste and mix well. Let it to boil till the Kuzhambu thickens.
Now add half cup of water to the boiled moongh dal and pour in to the boiling stuff.
Switch off the stove after few minutes.
After switching off the stove add the fried Turkey berries and mix well.
This will make the berries to last crispier. If you add them while boiling they will become soggy.