Dawn
Culinary Explorer
Let's try something new!


Ingredients:
For the Kuzhambu:
- 1 cup dried anchovies (nethili karuvadu), cleaned and soaked in warm water for about 30 minutes (to soften)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, slit
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
- 2 tablespoons tamarind paste (or a small lemon-sized ball of tamarind soaked in water)
- 2 tablespoons oil (coconut oil or vegetable oil)
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
For Grinding (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons grated coconut
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
Instructions:
- Prepare the Anchovies:
- Clean the dried anchovies thoroughly. Soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Masala Paste (Optional):
- If using, grind the grated coconut, black pepper, and cumin seeds into a fine paste with a little water. Set aside.
- Cook the Kuzhambu:
- Heat oil in a large pan or kadhai over medium heat.
- Add mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds. When they start to splutter, add cumin seeds and curry leaves.
- Add the finely chopped onions and green chilies. Sauté until the onions are golden brown.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
- Add Spices:
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Stir well to combine.
- Add the soaked and drained dried anchovies. Mix well and cook for a few minutes.
- Add Tamarind and Water:
- If using tamarind paste, dissolve it in about 1 cup of water and add to the pan. If using tamarind pulp, extract the juice from the soaked tamarind and add it to the pan.
- Add more water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Simmer:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the anchovies are well-cooked and the flavors meld together.
- Add Coconut Paste (Optional):
- If using the coconut paste, add it to the pan and mix well. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors combine.
- Final Adjustments:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the gravy is too thick, add a little more water.
- Serve:
- Serve hot with steamed rice, dosa, or idiyappam.