Vatha kulambu - Tamilnadu Recipe

Ingredients

Sundakkai Vathal (Turkey Berry) - 1 1/2 tblspn

Manathakkali (black nightshade) - 1 1/2 tblspn 

                                               { You can prepare this with Either  Manathakkali (black nightshade) or sudakkai (Turkey Berry) Vathal  }

Tamarind - lemon sized ball

Vatha kulambu powder - 2 tbsp
Sesame seed oil - 3 tbsp 
Curry leaves - 1 spring
Salt to taste

Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
Fenugreek seeds- 1/2 tsp
Red chilli - 2 (broken into two)
Asafoetida/Hing- 1/4 tsp

Preparation

1.Soak tamarind in approximately 3 1/2 cups of warm water and extract thick juice.

2.Heat sesame oil  in a heavy bottomed pan, add mustard seeds, when they splutter, add fenugreek seeds, asafoetida, dry red chilli , curry leaves and sundakkai vathal & Manathakkali.

3.Saute for a few minutes, then add tamarind extract, vatha kulambu powder,turmeric powder and salt required .

4.Let it boil till the raw smell of the tamarind goes and the gravy reaches a saucy consistency.

Serve with Rice and pappadam.