PULI KULAMBU/ TAMARIND CURRY

Puli kulambu or tamarind curry is a tangy and delicious curry that is commonly prepared in most South Indian homes. It is ideally served with rice but also goes well with chapathi.

Ingredients

8 small brinjals cut into small dices

2 potatoes diced

15 ladies finger cut into large pieces

Oil (as required)

1 large onion finely chopped

2 tomatoes finely chopped

2 tbsp coconut paste

1 lemon sized ball of tamarind

1 tsp mustard seeds

1 tsp urad dal

1 tsp chana dal

12 to 15 curry leaves

Salt to taste

Chopped coriander leaves for garnish

Method

• Wash and soak the tamarind in water for atleast 10 minutes. Extract the pulp and keep ready.
• Heat 4 tbsp oil in a non stick pan and stir fry the brinjals and ladies finger till they turn soft.
• Transfer to a plate and set aside.
• To the same pan, add mustard seeds, curry leaves, urad dal and chana dal and sauté for a few seconds.
• Add potatoes and salt and stir fry for a minute.
• Add 1 cup tamarind pulp and bring to a boil.
• Continue cooking for 10 to 15 minutes till the potatoes are cooked.
• While the potatoes are getting cooked, heat 2 tbsp oil in another pan and add onions. Saute till they turn golden.
• Add tomatoes and cook till they turn soft.
• Next add coconut paste and mix well.
• Cook for a couple of minutes and switch off the gas. Allow the mix to cool down completely and grind to a paste.
• Add this paste along with the fried brinjals and ladies finger to the potato mix and mix well.
• Add the remaining tamarind pulp and water and bring to a boil.
• Continue cooking for 5 more minutes and switch off the gas.
• Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.