Poondu Kulambu - 2 (பூண்டு குழம்பு)

Courtesy: My friend Bhuvana. :)

Masala Podi:

• Dry roast the following one by one separately. It is enough if you roast them for a few seconds.. do not brown them.

1. Dhania - 1 measure
2. Red chillies - 3 measures (about 20)
3. Chana dhal - Half measure
4. Toor dhal - Half measure
5. Pepper - Half of a quarter measure
6. Methi Seeds (Vendhayam) - Half of a quarter measure
7. Idli Rice (Parboiled Rice) - Quarter measure
8. Cumin Seeds - Half measure

• Grind the above with some Turmeric Powder  (if your 1 measure is equal to 1 cup, then you may add 4 tsp of turmeric. This adds color to the curry, so you may use your discretion with respect to the quantity)
• Store the masala in an airtight container, prefereably stored in the refrigerator to increase the shelf life.

Curry Recipe:

• Soak 1 small lemon size tamarind in water for few minutes and extract about half a cup of tamarind pulp/juice. Set it aside.
• Grind 2 small onions, 1 tsp of cumin seeds, 3 tbsp of the ground masala into a fine paste and set aside. You may add water while grinding.
• Heat 4 tsp of oil in a non stick pan
• Temper the oil with 1 tsp of cumin seeds, 0.5 tsp of methi seeds, 1 spring of curry leaves
• Toss in about 15 pearl onions finely chopped
• Saute the onions well till they turn light brown
• Toss in about 15 to 20 garlic pods and saute them well
• Pour the ground masala, 2 cups of water and the extracted tamarind juice
• Add 1 tbsp of salt (per taste, actually)
• Cover and cook the curry in medium flame for about 15 to 20 minutes
• The curry must be of medium thickness
• The wonderful aroma will announce that the delicious poondu kulambu is all ready to be served.

I hereby thank my friend Bhuvana who 'showed me the curry' - it was a wonderful evening.. two friends chatting and cooking together.. reminiscing on old times.. you get the drift, right? ;)
Hope you enjoy her (mom's) authentic recipe.. Oh about the masala you stored in the fridge.. stay tuned.. Bhuvana has many uses for it that I am trying to learn and share with you folks. :)