Arachuvitta Vathakuzhambu – Vathakuzhambu

Vathakuzhambu is our family favourite. This arachuvitta vathakuzhambu is a very easy, flavourful kuzhambu with freshly ground spices and the goodness of manathakkali vathal (black nightshade/wonder berry). Its divine when served with hot steamed rice along with a dollop of gingely oil. The best combo would be with curd rice 🙂 My personal favourite is this Mochai Kuzhambu.

Now to the recipe…

[Preparation Time-15 mins : Cooking Time- 20 mins]

Arachuvitta Vathakuzhambu Ingredients:

To dry roast & grind

• Dry Chillies – 2
• Chana Dal – 1 tbsp
• Coriander Seeds – 1 tbsp
• Whole pepper – 1 tsp
• Grated Coconut – 2 tbsp

For the kuzhambu 

• Gingely oil – 4 tbsp
• Mustard – 1 tsp
• Fenugreek – 1/2 tsp
• Manathakkali Vathal – 1 tbsp
• Garlic pods – 10 to 12
• Sambar Onions – 5 to 10
• Tamarind – a small lemon size
• Jaggery – 1 tsp
• Curry leaves – 2 sprigs
• Salt – as needed

Method:

• Dry roast all the ingredients mentioned in “dry roast & grind” except coconut until golden brown. Make sure not to burn them. Cool down & grind it along with grated coconut into a fine paste.

• Heat a pan with oil and fry the manathakkali vathal until brown. Keep this aside. In the same oil temper with mustard, fenugreek & curry leaves. Add garlic pods & sambar onions and saute until raw smell of the garlic goes off. Next add tamarind juice & salt and let it boil for a few mins.

• Now add the ground paste & mix. Let it boil in simmer for 7-10 mins. The vathakuzhambu will start thickening now. Add the roasted manathakkali vathal and boil it for a further 2-3 mins. Finally add powdered jaggery and boil for a min or two. Switch off the flame.

Delicious & lip-smacking Arachuvitta Vathakuzhambu is ready.

Enjoy hot with steamed rice.

Tips:

1. U can substitute manathakkali vathal with sundakkai vathal or other vegetables like drumstick, brinjal..
2. Since vathals have salt in them, be careful & add salt accordingly.
3. U can skip the onions & garlic pods for a No onion-No garlic version of vathakuzhambu.
4. Gingely is the best for this vathakuzhambu, U can substitute with refined oil too..

– By Sundari Nathan