Chinna Ulli Vatha Kuzhambu

Vatha Kuzhambu is a Tangy koottan, that can be served with plain Rice. Various vadams,Chundakka and Marathankali can be added to it. Another option to add is Chinna Ulli/Shallots/Pearl Onions. 

Chinna Ulli Vatha Kuzhambu is our Family Favorite!! Off to the recepie now..

Ingredients:-

• Pearl Onions/Shallots – about 20
• Tamarind – a gooseberry sized ball
• Sambar Powder – 1.5 - 2 tbsp (adjust according to your spice level)
• Jaggery – ½ tsp (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Turmeric Powder – ¼ tsp

For tempering

• Sesame Oil – 2 tbsp
• Mustard Seeds – 1 tsp
• Bengal Gram Dal/Channa Dal/Kadala Paruppu – 1 tsp
• Curry Leaves – few

To Grind

• Red Chillies - 5/6
• Dhaniya Powder - 1 Tsp
• Black Pepper- 5/6
• Jeera - 1 Tsp
• Fenugreek Seeds - 1 Tsp
• Coconut - 2 Tbsp

Method

• Heat a Kadai and dry roast the Items under ' To Grind'. 
• Allow it too Cool and Grind the Items to a Paste
• Peel and wash the shallots.
• Soak the tamarind in hot water for 10 minutes and extract the pulp by adding 2.5 to 3 cups of water.
• Heat a kadai with oil, splutter mustard seeds.
• Throw in the Channa dal and fenugreek seeds and fry till the dal turn golden.
• Add the curry leaves and the shallots and sauté till the shallots turn light brown.
• Next add the Sambar Powder and sauté for few seconds.
• Now add the tamarind extract, turmeric powder and salt to taste and jaggery.
• Allow this to come to a boil, lower heat to medium 
• Add the grinded Paste to the Kuzhambu and boil for 15 to 20 minutes or till the oil floats up and the kuzhambu becomes slightly thick.