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A fiery and tangy South Indian curry from Tamil Nadu, featuring tender okra simmered in a tamarind and spice-infused gravy. It's the perfect zesty companion for steamed rice.
For 4 servings
Prepare Tamarind and Okra
Sauté the Okra
Temper Spices and Sauté Aromatics
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A fiery and tangy South Indian curry from Tamil Nadu, featuring tender okra simmered in a tamarind and spice-infused gravy. It's the perfect zesty companion for steamed rice.
This south_indian recipe takes 50 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 189.89 calories per serving with 3.78g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Build the Kuzhambu Gravy
Combine and Finish
Serve
You can make this kuzhambu with other vegetables like brinjal (eggplant), drumsticks, or sundakkai (turkey berry). Sauté them similarly to the okra before adding to the gravy.
For a more traditional flavor, replace the sambar powder with authentic 'Kuzhambu Milagai Thool' if you have it.
For a milder, creamier gravy, add 1/4 cup of coconut milk or a tablespoon of ground coconut paste at the very end of cooking. Simmer for just a minute and do not boil.
Add 2 tablespoons of cooked toor dal along with the tamarind water to give the gravy more body and protein.
Okra is an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain bowel regularity, and promotes a healthy gut microbiome.
The combination of tamarind, tomatoes, and spices like turmeric provides a rich supply of antioxidants that help protect the body against damage from free radicals.
The soluble fiber in okra can help slow down the absorption of sugar in the digestive tract, contributing to more stable blood sugar levels.
Key spices in the dish, such as turmeric (containing curcumin) and garlic, are well-known for their potent anti-inflammatory effects, which can benefit overall health.
Sliminess in okra-based dishes is very common and usually happens for two reasons: 1) The okra was not completely dry when you chopped it. 2) The okra was not sautéed long enough to cook off the slime before being added to the gravy. Ensure you pat the okra bone-dry and sauté it until it gets light brown spots.
Yes, it is a nutritious dish. Okra is an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamins C and K, and folate. The spices used, like turmeric and fenugreek, have anti-inflammatory properties. Tamarind is rich in antioxidants. It's a wholesome, plant-based curry.
A typical serving (about 1 cup or 210g) of Vendakkai Kara Kuzhambu contains approximately 150-180 calories. The main calorie contributors are the oil and the small amount of dal. It is a relatively low-calorie main dish.
Absolutely. If you don't have pearl onions (sambar onions), you can use one medium-sized red or yellow onion, finely chopped. However, pearl onions lend a unique, subtle sweetness and texture to the kuzhambu that is very traditional.
Vendakkai Kara Kuzhambu stores well in the refrigerator. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavor often deepens and improves by the next day.
If the kuzhambu is too tangy, you can balance it by adding a little more jaggery or a pinch of sugar. You can also dilute it slightly with a bit of hot water or a splash of coconut milk to mellow the sourness.