Sundakkai Vathal Kulambu Recipe

Sundakkai Vathal Kulambu is a South Indian curry made with sundakkai vathal (dried turkey berry), tamarind, and a flavorful mix of spices. This dish is delicious and has numerous health benefits. Sundakkai is rich in antioxidants and is often used in traditional dishes to treat digestive issues. It adds a unique bitterness to the curry, which is perfectly balanced with the sweetness of jaggery and the tanginess of tamarind.

Sundakkai Vathal Kuzhambu is made with simple ingredients that are easy to find in most South Indian kitchens. This kuzhambu has a bold, deep flavor from the sundakkai vathal. It’s a comforting dish packed with traditional Tamil flavors. You can try this simple recipe and enjoy its delicious taste.

Jump to:

• About Sundakkai Vathal Kulambu
• Sundakkai Vathal Kulambu Ingredients
• How to make Sundakkai Vathal Kuzhambu Step by Step
• Expert Tips
• Serving and Storage
• FAQS
• 📖 Recipe Card

About Sundakkai Vathal Kulambu

Sundakkai Vathal Kulambu is a traditional Tamil dish known for its bold and complex taste. This recipe is made with sundakkai vathal as the key ingredient, the kulambu brings out rich, earthy flavors with a perfect balance of spice, tanginess, and subtle sweetness. The bitterness of sundakkai blends beautifully with the curry. It is called Vatha Kulambu or Vathal Kuzhambu

This dish is a staple in many Tamil households and is often prepared during regular weekdays as well as special occasions. Its thick, aromatic curry can be paired with hot steamed rice and a dollop of ghee, creates a soul-satisfying meal. It also goes well with millet rice or can be served as a flavorful side dish for idli or dosa.

This recipe is a wholesome and comforting option, especially when you’re looking for something that is both tasty and good for your health. Even if you’re new to using sundakkai in cooking, this dish is a great introduction. With the right preparation, it loses its bitterness and adds depth to the curry. It’s a dish filled with warmth and the richness of Tamil cuisine perfect to pair up wit rice and curry of your choice.

Sundakkai Vathal Kulambu Ingredients

• Sundakkai Vathal (dried turkey berry) – This is the key ingredient, It adds a unique bitterness and intense flavor to the dish that makes the curry stand out.
• Gingelly oil (sesame oil) – Adds a nutty aroma and rich flavor, perfect for this recipe. It’s high smoke point ensures a crisp tempering without burning the ingredients. It also helps bring out the flavors of the spices really well.
• Mustard seeds, cumin seeds, chana dal – Add a nutty, spicy flavor to the tempering, they provide a slight crunch and texture to the dish.
• Fenugreek seeds – This is a must-add ingredient to the dish, brings a slightly bitter, aromatic flavor that complements the other spices. 
• Red chilies – Adds heat and color to the tempering. They contribute a spicy taste and vibrant red color to the curry.
• Curry leaves – Gives the authentic South Indian aroma and flavor when fried. These add a fragrant, herbal touch to the tempering.
• Small onions – Adds natural sweetness and depth to the gravy. They soften during cooking and blend perfectly into the curry.
• Garlic – Adds mild pungency and fragrance to the dish. Garlic enhances the flavor and  taste of the curry.
• Sambar powder – Gives the kulambu its characteristic flavor and warmth. It infuses the dish with a savory, mildly spicy taste.
• Water – You can adjust the consistency of the curry. It balances the ingredients and helps the flavors blend together.
• Tamarind – Gives a tangy kick that balances the bitterness of the sundakkai and spices. It’s perfect for the deep, rich flavors of the curry.
• Jaggery – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tanginess of tamarind. Jaggery also enhances the overall richness and smoothness of the dish.

Similar Recipes

• Poondu Kulambu
• Paruppu Urundai Kulambu
• Chicken Kuzhambu
• Mor Kuzhambu
• Puli Kulambu

Why This Recipe Works

• Quick to make and perfect for weekday meals
• It has a bold, tangy flavor with a rich, traditional taste.
• This recipe is a balance of spicy, sour, and a hint of sweetness.
• Easily customizable with other vathals or veggies.
• Uses sundakkai vathal which is both flavorful and healthy.
• Tastes even better the next day.
• Can be paired with rice, idli, dosa, or even chapati.

How to make Sundakkai Vathal Kuzhambu Step by Step

1.Soak tamarind in hot water and extract the thin tamarind water. Peel the skin of garlic and small onions and make it ready. In a tadka pan – fry the sundakkai vathal till dark browned.

2.In a kadai / pan heat oil – add the items listed under ‘to temper’, then add onion and garlic, fry for 2 minutes. Then add sambar powder.

3.Fry for a minute. Then add tamarind water and let it boil for few minutes. Let it boil for few minutes till oil separates and it becomes slightly thick.

4.Then add sundakkai vathal and let it boil for a good 5 minutes in low flame. Then finally add jaggery stir well and switch off.

Serve with hot rice.

Expert Tips

• Sundakkai vathal  – Make sure to fry the vathal until it turns dark brown for the best flavor and texture. This enhances the bitterness and makes it crispy.
• Gingelly oil (nallennai) – It enhances the flavor and provides the authentic South Indian taste. It also adds richness to the curry.
• Soaking tamarind – This helps extract a good balance of tangy tamarind juice, not too strong or weak. It gives a smoother consistency.
• Spice levels – If your sambar powder isn’t spicy enough, add extra chili powder. You can customize it to your preferred spice level.
• Jaggery – It balances the tangy tamarind and adds a mild sweetness that complements the bitterness.
• Other vathals – If you don’t have sundakkai, try using manathakkali vathal or maa vathal for a different taste. These vathals also pair well with this recipe.

Serving and Storage

Sundakkai Vatha Kulambu is best served hot with plain rice and a side of vegetable or papad. You can also enjoy it with dosa or idli for a flavorful twist. 

Stays fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature or can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week in the refrigerator.

FAQS

1.What is sundakkai vathal?

It’s dried turkey berry, used in South Indian cooking for its health benefits and unique bitter flavor.

2.Can I use fresh sundakkai instead of dried?

Yes, but dried sundakkai gives a more intense and traditional flavor.

3.Is jaggery necessary?

Yes, It adds a lovely balance of sweetness to the curry. 

4.Can I replace sambar powder with other spice powders?

Yes, you can replace it with a mix of coriander powder, red chili powder.

5.Can I skip onions and garlic?

Yes, but the flavor will change. They add a good flavor base to the kulambu.

6.What other vathals can I use?

You can try manathakkali, maa vathal, or even a mix of different vathals for a different taste and flavor.

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