Vathakulambu

வத்தக்குழம்பு (Vathakulambu)

Vathakulambu can be made from sundaikkai vathal or manathakkali vathal. Here I am using sundavathal. This gravy is very famous and served as part of lunch in all restaurants. Here is the recipe to easily make restaurant style vatha kulambu at home.

Ingredients for Vathakulambu

Sundavathal – 1/2 cup
Small onion – 12- 15
Garlic – 1 full head
Curry leaves – 1 spring
Mustard seeds & urad dal – 1/4 tsp
Vathakuzhambu masala – 1.5 tbs
Oil – 1/4 cup
Coconut – 2 big pieces
Turmeric – pinch
Tamarind – small lemon size
Salt as needed

Pre-preparation

Soak tamarind in water for at least 30 minutes
Chop the small onions and peal the garlic skin
Extract milk from the coconut

Directions

Place a wok on stove in high flame and pour 1/4 cup oil
After oil is heated, fry the sundavathal then take out from the oil and keep aside
Add mustard seeds and urad dal in the same oil, after the seeds cracked, add curry leaves
Now add the chopped onion and garlic pods
Stir them until golden brown
Now, add fried sundavathal, sundavathal masala, turmeric and salt.
Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
Pour tamarind extract and coconut milk, stir well
When you see bubbles cover the wok with lid and cook until the garlic fully cooked in full flame
Change the flame into low for 5 to 10 minutes, now you see the oil coming out
Vatha kulambu ready
Stop the flame, serve with rice and papad