Vendakkai kara kuzhambu

I don't cook dhal daily. I do this type of kara kuzhambu or vatha kuzhambu. This type of curry will be little thick and little spicy. There is no onion or garlic in this curry. You can add brinjal instead of okra. It can be served with plain rice and any dry curries.

Ingredients:

Okra(vendakkai) - 2 cups (chopped)
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
Tamarind extract - 1/2 cup (from small lemon size ball)

To grind:

Coriander seeds - 2 tbsp
Fenugreek seeds - 1/2 tsp
Red chilly  - 5
Pepper - 1/4 tsp
Cumin seeds - 1/4 tsp
Bengal gram - 1 tsp
Toor dhal - 2 tsp
Coconut - 1/4 cup
Tomato - 1

Method:

In a small skillet add 1 tsp of oil, fry all the ingredients in the same order given to grind except coconut and tomato.  After it cools down grind all the ingredients with coconut
and tomato. If need add water  and grind to a smooth paste.

In a large skillet, add 1 tbsp of oil and fry the okra. After 2 minutes add tamarind extract, turmeric powder and let it boil for 5 minutes. Then add the ground paste and let it boil till it thickens and the raw smell goes. Garnish with coriander leaves and temper it.

For tempering add a tsp of oil, add mustard seeds,curry leaves and asafoetida.