Vethakozhambu

'Vethakozhambhu' is a very traditional and authentic South Indian (Tamil) recipe.Though I prepare a variety of other South Indian recipes,my all time favorite is of course this.The interesting part of this dish is the variety of ingredients that can go into the making of it, ranging from vathal/appalams to veggies!

This is a great dish and easy to make.Getting the right consistency while making this dish is important...and it does taste much better the next day !

I have tasted many versions of this dish,but this method is by far the best :)

Time:Making Time (30 mins)

Difficulty level:Medium

Ingredients:

• Tamarind extract - lemon sized tamarind ball soaked in 3 cups of water
• Rice flour - 2 tsp
• Oil - 4 tbsp (preferably Gingelly Oil)
• Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
• Fenugreek(Methi) seeds - 2 tsp
• Onions - 1 finely chopped
• Use any combination of the following - Manathakkali (Black nightshade) or Sundakkai(Turkey Berry) or any other vathal,appalam pieces,Lady's finger,Drumstick,Brinjals,Tomatoes,Garlic or even small onions.
• Sambhar Powder - 2 tbsp
• Asafoetida, a pinch
• Curry Leaves - 8-10
• Salt to taste

Preparation:

1. Soak tamarind in 2 cups of water and take the extract.Should not be too watery.Keep aside.
2. In a vessel,add oil, when heated add the mustard seeds,asafoetida,curry leaves and allow it to splutter.
3. Add the methi seeds and the chopped onions at this stage.
4. Once the onions are cooked well, add the other items(Vathal/appalam or veggies) and cook for a couple of mins.
5. Now add 2 tbsp of Sambhar powder and cook for a few mins till the raw smell disappears.Dont overcook it.
6. When done,pour the tamarind extract to this and allow to boil.
7. Add water,if required and salt to taste.If you are using any of these vathals,be a little cautious when adding the salt,since vathals already have salt in them.
8. Allow the mixture to blend well and switch off the gas when it starts to thicken until the right consistency is reached.
9. Serve with hot rice,a spoon of ghee and some appalam...yum!!

Variations -

1.Some people add a little bit of Jaggery while making this.It gives a sweet,tangy taste.

2.You can also add the sambhar powder after adding the tamarind extract. I usually add it before so that the ingredients get the flavor into them.