Vendakkai Puli Kuzhambu, one of the most common dish in South Indian cuisine. Next to sambar, puli kulambu takes its place. You can make N number of dishes in puli kulambu, Kathirikkai puli kulambu, Vendakkai puli kulambu, Vendthaya puli kulambu, Sundavathal puli kulambu and so on. By saying puli (tamarind) itself makes mouthwatering, as always you can adjust the tanginess as per your taste.
There are certain procedure you must follow for each veggie while cooking, Ladies Finger (Vendakkai) must be sauted well before adding water, in case of Brinjal (Kathirikkai), it must be added after water is heated up (off course not rolling boil but simmering point).
Coming to the recipe Vendakkai puli kulambu, here I have first sauted the veggie then added tamarind water and masala powder.
Recipe Overview: Ladies Finger first sauted well then cooked in tamarind water with added masala powders and finally topped with coconut and coriander leaves.
There are certain procedure you must follow for each veggie while cooking, Ladies Finger (Vendakkai) must be sauted well before adding water, in case of Brinjal (Kathirikkai), it must be added after water is heated up (off course not rolling boil but simmering point).
Coming to the recipe Vendakkai puli kulambu, here I have first sauted the veggie then added tamarind water and masala powder.
Recipe Overview: Ladies Finger first sauted well then cooked in tamarind water with added masala powders and finally topped with coconut and coriander leaves.
Similar Recipes:
Mochai Kuzhambu - Field Beans Curry
Mushroom Curry - Kalan Kuzhambu
Ayirai Meen Kuzhambu - Ayirai Fish Curry
Vendakkai Puli Kuzhambu
.............................Have a Quick look.................................
Ingredients Needed:
- Ladies Finger - 150 g
- Onion – 1
- Tomato – 1
- Shallots – 5 to 6 nos.
- Tamarind – lemon size
- Kuzhambu Masala Powder – 1 tbsp
- Shredded coconut – ½ cup
- Oil – as required
- Salt – as required
- Coriander leaves - few
- For seasoning:
- Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
- Urad dal – 1 tsp
- Fenugreek seeds – 1 tsp
- Curry leaves – few
Preparation:
- First wash lady’s finger well then tap it with a clean dry cloth to absorb the water in the veggie. Then cut it into medium size pieces.
- In the mixer add shallots and whip it once or twice.
- Make Tomato paste.
- Extract thick tamarind juice and keep it aside.
Method:
- In a pan add oil. Once oil gets heated add mustard seeds, urad dal and fenugreek seeds. After mustard seeds splutters and urad dal turns golden brown add chopped onion and fresh curry leaves.
- Saute for 2 to 3 minutes till onion turns transparent. Then add chopped ladies finger and mix it well. Saute for 5 to 10 mins. We need to saute to remove stickiness from the veggie.
- Then add prepared tamarind juice and water and allow it to boil for 2 to minutes.
- Then add homemade kuzhambu masala powder. Mix them well.
- Let it boil for next 3 to 4 minutes, then add prepared tomato paste and whipped shallots.
- Add Salt as per your taste.
- Allow it to boil for another 3 minutes, then add shredded coconut & coriander leaves and switch off the flame.
- Vendakkai Puli Kuzhambu (Ladies Finger Curry) is ready !
| Author : Mano Priya Vijay |
Ingredients Needed
|
|---|
Ladies Finger - 150 g
|
Onion – 1
|
Tomato – 1
|
Shallots – 5 to 6 nos.
|
Tamarind – lemon size
|
Kuzhambu Masala Powder – 1 tbsp
|
Shredded coconut – few
|
Oil – as required
|
Salt – as required
|
Coriander leaves - few
|
For seasoning
|
Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
|
Urad dal – 1 tsp
|
Onion – 1 tbsp
|
Curry leaves – few
|
Fenugreek seeds – 1 tsp
|
Preparation:
- First wash lady’s finger well then tap it with a clean dry cloth to absorb the water in the veggie. [Note: This is to avoid stickiness while chopping and cooking as well]
Then cut it into medium size pieces. [Tip: Do not cut it into small pieces it will be sticky]
- In the mixer add shallots and whip it once or twice. [Note: Do not make it into paste! just coarse grind it] Tip: If you want to grind shallots coarsely, you can use the WHIP settings in your mixer grinder.
- Make Tomato paste. [Note: Adding tomato paste will make curry thick and gives a unique tangy taste to the curry]
- Extract thick tamarind juice and keep it aside. [Tip: Soaking tamarind for about 10 minutes will yield you more juice and also easy for squeezing]
In a pan add oil. Once oil gets heated add mustard seeds, urad dal and fenugreek seeds. After mustard seeds splutters and urad dal turns golden brown add chopped onion and fresh curry leaves.
Then add homemade kuzhambu masala powder. Mix them well. [Note: If you don’t have homemade masala powder then you can use 1 tsp of turmeric powder, 1 tbsp of red chili powder, 2 tbsp of coriander powder, ¼ tsp of cumin powder, ¼ tsp of pepper powder.]
Homemade Kuzhambu Masala Powder
Add Salt as per your taste.
Carrot Poriyal - Carrot Stir Fry
Video Link :
Below is the you tube link for this recipe.
In Tamil there is a saying “Unavae Marunthu, Marunthae Unavu” means “Food is Medicine, Medicine is Food”. In respect to the saying, each and every food we intake in our day to day life has lots of health benefits excluding junk foods and tin packed foods, of course they contain preservatives which is unhealthy.
In Indian cuisines, we use lot of ingredients in our making of recipes, which benefits us in many ways. We use them not only for their flavor and taste but for its nutritional and medicinal value as well. If we look deeper into the traditional way of cooking, all the ingredients used in each recipes are well balanced both nutritionally and medicinally.
Each ingredients have many many health benefits but without knowing their health benefits we are using them daily. Let us know at least their important health benefits before we use and eat.
Here I have listed the health benefits of each ingredients I used in the recipe.
Ingredient 1:
Ladies Finger – also known as Vendakai in Tamil, Benda Kayi in Telugu, Bendekai in Kannada, Vendakka in Malayalam, Bhindi in Hindi. Ladies finger an excellent culinary and medicinal veggie, which has lots of medicinal as well as health benefits. It is great source of fiber hence helps in digestive problems, promote weight loss, controls blood sugar levels, pregnant womens are advised to take ladies finger as they are contain folic acid and folate, rich in vitamin C helps in absorption of iron in the body.
Ingredient 2:
Onion – also known as Vengayam in Tamil, Nirulli in Telugu, Savala in Malayalam, Neeruli in Kannada. Onions are mostly used in all cuisines all over the world. In Indian cuisines, onion and tomato plays a major role, where onion is the base for most of the recipes. Eating raw onions have more health benefits compared to cooked one. Onions protects our immune system, prevent cancer, helps in digestion as it is rich in fiber, Anti-bacterial and Anti-inflammatory.
Ingredient 3:
Tomato - also known as Thakkali in Tamil, Goore Hannu in Kannada, Tamatar in Hindi, Tamata in Telugu. Tomato is considered to be both fruit and vegetables are nutrient rich which supports healthful skin, reduces risk of heart disease, great source of vitamin C and Fiber, great source of Antioxidant. When comes to healthy skin, I must talk about the beauty tips. Apply raw tomato to acne for shrinkage. Mash and mix it honey to form a paste and use a mask and rinse off after 15 minutes.
Ingredient 4:
Shallots – known as Chinna Vengayam in Tamil, Ulli in Malayalam, Ullipaaya in Telugu, Chikk-Eerulli in Kannada, Chotta Pyaz in Hindi. Shallots are one of the variety of onions and it belongs to the family of garlic and onions. In Indian cuisine shallots place a major role. They not only have high nutritional value, also have high medicinal value. They are used in the healing process in Ayurveda treatment. Shallots makes our body cool ie., it have cooling effect on the body hence they help in lowering inflammation, swelling etc., In simple words we can put it as shallots are Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, helps in lowering cholesterol, maintain blood pressure, to control diabetics.
Ingredient 5:
Tamarind – also known as Puli in Tamil and Malayalam, Chinthapandu in Telugu, Huli in Kannada, Imli in Hindi. Tamarind is a kind of fruit with have sweet and sour taste. Tamarind plays a major role in South Indian cooking, after cooking each dishes we used to ask Uppu (salt), Puli (Tamarind), Karam (Spiciness) correct ah irrukka? means if the saltness, sourness and spiciness is in correct level in the dish? That’s how puli plays major role in south indian cuisine. It improves digestion, aids weight loss, boosts immunity, rich source of vitamin C.
Ingredient 6:
Homemade Masala Powder – This masala powder is a mix of total 11 ingredients - Whole Dried Turmeric, Dry Red Chili, Coriander seeds, Cumin seeds, Fenugreek, Mustard seeds, Pepper Corns, Toor Dal, Urad Dal, Rice, Whole Asafoetida stones. I have included health benefits of each ingredients in that recipe. Please take a look at it to see the health benefits of these 11 ingredients. Link - Homemade Masala Powder
Ingredient 7:
Coconut – also known as Thengai in Tamil, Kobbari Kaaya in Telugu, Thenginakai in Kannada, Thenga in Malayalam, Nariyal in Hindi. Coconut which can be used in different forms starting from tender coconut water, coconut water, coconut oil, coconut milk and many more. Tender coconut which has lots of benefits which we can look after it separately. Fresh coconut water is sweat in taste and are tremendously beneficial to health. Coconuts are one of the main ingredients in Indian cuisines which are widely used in preparing chutneys. Cocnuts are anti-viral, anti-bacterial, boosts immune systems, rich in fiber, controls diabetics by improving insulin secretion, improves good cholesterol, has good source of vitamins (C, E, B1, B5 etc.,) and minerals (iron, calcicum etc.,) to maintain a healthy skin and healthy hair.
Ingredient 8:
Gingerly Oil – also known as Nallenai in Tamil, Nuvalu Nuna in Telugu, Nallenna in Malayalam, Ellenai in Kannada, Thil Ka Tel in Hindi. Gingerly oil have significant health benefits. South Indians widely use gingerly oil in their cooking. It is a good source of Vitamin D, E and B complex and antioxidants. Apart from it they are also used in cosmetic purposes, as they promotes healthy skin, reduces pimples and rashes by preventing bacterial infections, very good factor of gingerly oil is, it slows down aging of skin. We, the Tamilians have a tradition of taking oil bath (using gingerly oil) every Saturday by massaging the entire body and head. Massaging removes toxins from you and leaves you detoxified and bathing removes heat from the body. We religiously follow this tradition where new borns also have no exception.
Ingredient 9:
Salt – also kown as Uppu in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada & Malayalam, Namak in Hindi. There is a saying in Tamil, “Uppu Illa sapadu kuppaiyile” meaning “Food (sapadu) without salt goes to garbage (kuppai)”. That’s show how salt is an important ingredient. Salt known as sodium chloride used as a seasoning agent in almost all recipes daily. Salt helps in digestion, improves cardiovascular health, improves hydration, helps in healthy respiratory system, vital for electrolyte balance. Salt also have negativites if taken in excess, can increase blood pressure, can lead to heart disease and stroke.
Ingredient 10:
Coriander Leaves – also known as Kothamalli Ilai in Tamil, Kothimeera in Telugu, Kottambari Soppu in Kannada, Kothamalli Ila in Malayalam, Dhania Patha in Hindi. Coriander leaves is a herb which boosts the taste of the dish by its flavor. Not only its been added for its flavor, it have high nutritional value. Coriander leaves are rich in Vitamin C thus boosts immunity, reduces bad cholesterol levels, controls blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion, regulates menstrual cycle, it have high iron content which prevents anemia, antioxidants, improves bone health and list goes on. In short we can say it is packed with full of Vitamins (A,C,K), minerals (manganese, potassium, copper) and nutrients (proteins, calcium, dietary fiber). So include such a health folded ingredients in your daily diet in any form.
Ingredient 11:
Ingredient 14:
Fenugreek seeds – also known as Vendhayam in Tamil, Menthulu in Telugu, Menthe in Kannada, Uluva in Malayalam, Methi Dana in Hindi. Fenugreek, the common household spice is most widely used in medicinal treatments. Fenugreek which has bitter taste, when cooked gives good aroma and flavor to the dish. It can taken by mouth to reduce body heat, treats skin infections, induces insulin productions, stimulates breast milk production, reduces menstrual cramps, helps to maintain healthy hair (treats dandruff) (Tip: Massage with fenugreek paste (soak and grind) for 30 minutes to get rid of dandruff).
In Indian cuisines, we use lot of ingredients in our making of recipes, which benefits us in many ways. We use them not only for their flavor and taste but for its nutritional and medicinal value as well. If we look deeper into the traditional way of cooking, all the ingredients used in each recipes are well balanced both nutritionally and medicinally.
Each ingredients have many many health benefits but without knowing their health benefits we are using them daily. Let us know at least their important health benefits before we use and eat.
Here I have listed the health benefits of each ingredients I used in the recipe.
Ingredient 1:
Ladies Finger – also known as Vendakai in Tamil, Benda Kayi in Telugu, Bendekai in Kannada, Vendakka in Malayalam, Bhindi in Hindi. Ladies finger an excellent culinary and medicinal veggie, which has lots of medicinal as well as health benefits. It is great source of fiber hence helps in digestive problems, promote weight loss, controls blood sugar levels, pregnant womens are advised to take ladies finger as they are contain folic acid and folate, rich in vitamin C helps in absorption of iron in the body.
Ingredient 2:
Onion – also known as Vengayam in Tamil, Nirulli in Telugu, Savala in Malayalam, Neeruli in Kannada. Onions are mostly used in all cuisines all over the world. In Indian cuisines, onion and tomato plays a major role, where onion is the base for most of the recipes. Eating raw onions have more health benefits compared to cooked one. Onions protects our immune system, prevent cancer, helps in digestion as it is rich in fiber, Anti-bacterial and Anti-inflammatory.
Ingredient 3:
Tomato - also known as Thakkali in Tamil, Goore Hannu in Kannada, Tamatar in Hindi, Tamata in Telugu. Tomato is considered to be both fruit and vegetables are nutrient rich which supports healthful skin, reduces risk of heart disease, great source of vitamin C and Fiber, great source of Antioxidant. When comes to healthy skin, I must talk about the beauty tips. Apply raw tomato to acne for shrinkage. Mash and mix it honey to form a paste and use a mask and rinse off after 15 minutes.
Ingredient 4:
Shallots – known as Chinna Vengayam in Tamil, Ulli in Malayalam, Ullipaaya in Telugu, Chikk-Eerulli in Kannada, Chotta Pyaz in Hindi. Shallots are one of the variety of onions and it belongs to the family of garlic and onions. In Indian cuisine shallots place a major role. They not only have high nutritional value, also have high medicinal value. They are used in the healing process in Ayurveda treatment. Shallots makes our body cool ie., it have cooling effect on the body hence they help in lowering inflammation, swelling etc., In simple words we can put it as shallots are Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, helps in lowering cholesterol, maintain blood pressure, to control diabetics.
Ingredient 5:
Tamarind – also known as Puli in Tamil and Malayalam, Chinthapandu in Telugu, Huli in Kannada, Imli in Hindi. Tamarind is a kind of fruit with have sweet and sour taste. Tamarind plays a major role in South Indian cooking, after cooking each dishes we used to ask Uppu (salt), Puli (Tamarind), Karam (Spiciness) correct ah irrukka? means if the saltness, sourness and spiciness is in correct level in the dish? That’s how puli plays major role in south indian cuisine. It improves digestion, aids weight loss, boosts immunity, rich source of vitamin C.
Ingredient 6:
Homemade Masala Powder – This masala powder is a mix of total 11 ingredients - Whole Dried Turmeric, Dry Red Chili, Coriander seeds, Cumin seeds, Fenugreek, Mustard seeds, Pepper Corns, Toor Dal, Urad Dal, Rice, Whole Asafoetida stones. I have included health benefits of each ingredients in that recipe. Please take a look at it to see the health benefits of these 11 ingredients. Link - Homemade Masala Powder
Ingredient 7:
Coconut – also known as Thengai in Tamil, Kobbari Kaaya in Telugu, Thenginakai in Kannada, Thenga in Malayalam, Nariyal in Hindi. Coconut which can be used in different forms starting from tender coconut water, coconut water, coconut oil, coconut milk and many more. Tender coconut which has lots of benefits which we can look after it separately. Fresh coconut water is sweat in taste and are tremendously beneficial to health. Coconuts are one of the main ingredients in Indian cuisines which are widely used in preparing chutneys. Cocnuts are anti-viral, anti-bacterial, boosts immune systems, rich in fiber, controls diabetics by improving insulin secretion, improves good cholesterol, has good source of vitamins (C, E, B1, B5 etc.,) and minerals (iron, calcicum etc.,) to maintain a healthy skin and healthy hair.
Ingredient 8:
Gingerly Oil – also known as Nallenai in Tamil, Nuvalu Nuna in Telugu, Nallenna in Malayalam, Ellenai in Kannada, Thil Ka Tel in Hindi. Gingerly oil have significant health benefits. South Indians widely use gingerly oil in their cooking. It is a good source of Vitamin D, E and B complex and antioxidants. Apart from it they are also used in cosmetic purposes, as they promotes healthy skin, reduces pimples and rashes by preventing bacterial infections, very good factor of gingerly oil is, it slows down aging of skin. We, the Tamilians have a tradition of taking oil bath (using gingerly oil) every Saturday by massaging the entire body and head. Massaging removes toxins from you and leaves you detoxified and bathing removes heat from the body. We religiously follow this tradition where new borns also have no exception.
Ingredient 9:
Salt – also kown as Uppu in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada & Malayalam, Namak in Hindi. There is a saying in Tamil, “Uppu Illa sapadu kuppaiyile” meaning “Food (sapadu) without salt goes to garbage (kuppai)”. That’s show how salt is an important ingredient. Salt known as sodium chloride used as a seasoning agent in almost all recipes daily. Salt helps in digestion, improves cardiovascular health, improves hydration, helps in healthy respiratory system, vital for electrolyte balance. Salt also have negativites if taken in excess, can increase blood pressure, can lead to heart disease and stroke.
Ingredient 10:
Coriander Leaves – also known as Kothamalli Ilai in Tamil, Kothimeera in Telugu, Kottambari Soppu in Kannada, Kothamalli Ila in Malayalam, Dhania Patha in Hindi. Coriander leaves is a herb which boosts the taste of the dish by its flavor. Not only its been added for its flavor, it have high nutritional value. Coriander leaves are rich in Vitamin C thus boosts immunity, reduces bad cholesterol levels, controls blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion, regulates menstrual cycle, it have high iron content which prevents anemia, antioxidants, improves bone health and list goes on. In short we can say it is packed with full of Vitamins (A,C,K), minerals (manganese, potassium, copper) and nutrients (proteins, calcium, dietary fiber). So include such a health folded ingredients in your daily diet in any form.
Ingredient 11:
Mustard seeds – also known as Kadugu in Tamil and Malayalam, Avalu in Telugu, Rai in Hindi. Mustard seeds are most probably used by all people all over the world in some or other form either via seeds or by oil or as sauce used in their recipes. We south Indian people use it as whole seeds. They are mostly used for seasoning the dishes. It is a high nutritious seeds rich in calcium, protein, manganese, iron, zinc, omega 3 fatty acids and dietary fiber. Mustard oil helps in Hair growth, hair loss, hydrates skin, and acts as a natural scrubber.
Ingredient 12:
Urad dal – also known as Black gram in English, Ulundhu in Tamil, Uddulu in Telugu, Uddu in Kannada, Uzhunnu in Malayalam, Urad in Hindi. Like other dal varieties, urad dal is rich in fiber, helps in strengthening your back bone (South Indian culture is to give dishes made out of black gram for girl children once they attain puberty to strengthen their bones), helps in iron deficiency, reduces risk of heart disease, helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, prevent constipation.
Ingredient 13:
Curry Leaves – also known as Kariveppilai in Tamil, Karivepaku in Telugu, Karibevu in Kannada, Kariveppila in Malayalam, Kadi Patta in Hindi. Curry leaves, I should call it as a magical leaves, because it has numerous health benefits. For children this curry leaves would be annoying leaf even for me when I am kid. We the South Indians use curry leaves daily in almost every recipes we prepare, we use it while seasoning the food. When we say its health benefits, the first thing strikes our mind is that it is good for long and strong hair, apart from that there are many more. It stops diarrhea, helps in digestion, lowers cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels, good for eyesight, rich in Vitamin C thus help to clean your blood, leaving skin fresh and healthy, rich in calcium, iron. Tip: 1. Mix curry leaves powder with buttermilk for stomach upset. 2. Having curry leaves with lemon juice clears off morning sickness in pregnant women.Ingredient 12:
Urad dal – also known as Black gram in English, Ulundhu in Tamil, Uddulu in Telugu, Uddu in Kannada, Uzhunnu in Malayalam, Urad in Hindi. Like other dal varieties, urad dal is rich in fiber, helps in strengthening your back bone (South Indian culture is to give dishes made out of black gram for girl children once they attain puberty to strengthen their bones), helps in iron deficiency, reduces risk of heart disease, helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, prevent constipation.
Ingredient 13:
Ingredient 14:
Fenugreek seeds – also known as Vendhayam in Tamil, Menthulu in Telugu, Menthe in Kannada, Uluva in Malayalam, Methi Dana in Hindi. Fenugreek, the common household spice is most widely used in medicinal treatments. Fenugreek which has bitter taste, when cooked gives good aroma and flavor to the dish. It can taken by mouth to reduce body heat, treats skin infections, induces insulin productions, stimulates breast milk production, reduces menstrual cramps, helps to maintain healthy hair (treats dandruff) (Tip: Massage with fenugreek paste (soak and grind) for 30 minutes to get rid of dandruff).
No comments:
Post a Comment