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A classic Tamil Nadu curry featuring tender baby eggplants simmered in a spicy and tangy tamarind gravy. This flavorful dish, balanced with a hint of jaggery, is a perfect companion for steamed rice.
For 4 servings
Prepare Tamarind and Eggplant
Temper the Spices (Tadka)
Sauté Aromatics and Eggplant
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A classic Tamil Nadu curry featuring tender baby eggplants simmered in a spicy and tangy tamarind gravy. This flavorful dish, balanced with a hint of jaggery, is a perfect companion for steamed rice.
This south_indian recipe takes 45 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 184.05 calories per serving with 3.16g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Build the Gravy Base
Simmer the Kuzhambu
Garnish and Serve
Incorporate other vegetables like drumsticks (cut into 2-inch pieces), yellow pumpkin (cubed), or sundakkai (turkey berry) along with the eggplants for added texture and flavor.
For a richer, thicker gravy, grind 2-3 tablespoons of fresh grated coconut with 1/2 teaspoon of fennel seeds into a fine paste. Add this paste to the kuzhambu during the last 5-7 minutes of simmering.
For a pronounced garlic flavor (Poondu Kuzhambu style), increase the amount of garlic to a whole head (about 10-12 cloves) and add them whole along with the sambar onions.
This dish is loaded with antioxidants from tamarind, tomatoes, turmeric, and eggplant (especially the skin), which help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body.
Tamarind acts as a natural digestive aid, while spices like fenugreek seeds and asafoetida are known to improve gut health and prevent bloating. The fiber from the vegetables also supports a healthy digestive system.
The use of gingelly (sesame) oil provides healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Garlic is known to help manage blood pressure, and the overall low saturated fat content makes this a heart-friendly dish.
A typical serving of Kathirikai Kara Kuzhambu contains approximately 150-170 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the amount of oil used and the specific ingredients.
Yes, it is a relatively healthy dish. It's rich in fiber from eggplant, packed with antioxidants from tamarind and spices like turmeric, and provides healthy fats from gingelly oil. To make it even healthier, you can moderate the amount of oil and salt.
Absolutely. For a no-onion, no-garlic version, simply omit them. You can increase the amount of asafoetida slightly to enhance the flavor. The dish will still be delicious.
If the kuzhambu is too tangy, you can balance it by adding a little more powdered jaggery. A splash of coconut milk can also help mellow the sourness and add a creamy texture.
Kathirikai Kara Kuzhambu stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. In fact, its flavor often improves by the next day. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.