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A wholesome South Indian lentil and vegetable stew made with freshly roasted spices and coconut. This comforting kuzhambu, less tangy than sambar, is a perfect accompaniment for steamed rice and a dollop of ghee.
For 4 servings
Pressure Cook the Dal
Roast and Grind the Masala
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A wholesome South Indian lentil and vegetable stew made with freshly roasted spices and coconut. This comforting kuzhambu, less tangy than sambar, is a perfect accompaniment for steamed rice and a dollop of ghee.
This south_indian recipe takes 45 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 293.62 calories per serving with 11.04g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Cook the Vegetables
Combine and Simmer
Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
Finish and Serve
Feel free to use other vegetables like chayote (chow chow), ash gourd, brinjal (eggplant), or sweet potatoes.
You can make this kuzhambu with a mix of toor dal and moong dal for a different flavor and texture.
For a lighter version, you can skip the coconut. The gravy will be thinner but still flavorful from the roasted spices.
For a richer, creamier kuzhambu, you can use coconut milk instead of grinding coconut with water.
The base of this dish is toor dal, an excellent source of plant-based protein and amino acids, which are essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
With a generous amount of lentils and mixed vegetables like carrots, beans, and pumpkin, this kuzhambu is high in dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes satiety, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Spices like black pepper, coriander seeds, and asafoetida (hing) are known for their digestive properties. They can help stimulate digestive enzymes and reduce bloating.
The variety of vegetables provides a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A from carrots and pumpkin, and potassium from tomatoes, supporting overall health and immunity.
The main difference is that Poricha Kuzhambu gets its flavor from a freshly roasted and ground spice-coconut paste ('poricha' means fried/roasted) and does not use tamarind, making it less tangy. Sambar typically uses a pre-made sambar powder and tamarind extract for its characteristic tangy and spicy flavor.
Yes, it is very healthy. It's packed with plant-based protein from lentils, fiber and vitamins from a variety of vegetables, and healthy fats from coconut. The spices used also have digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits.
One serving (approximately 1 cup or 245g) of Poricha Kuzhambu contains around 220-250 calories, depending on the specific vegetables and amount of oil used.
Absolutely. You can cook the toor dal in a regular pot on the stovetop. It will take longer, about 45-60 minutes, until the dal is completely soft. Soaking the dal for an hour beforehand can speed up the cooking time.
Leftover Poricha Kuzhambu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gravy may thicken upon cooling; simply add a splash of water while reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.