🍲 Puli Kuzhambu Recipe (Traditional Tamil Style Tamarind Curry)
Puli Kuzhambu is a classic South Indian curry known for its tangy, spicy, and rich flavour. It is simple to make and tastes amazing with hot rice and a drizzle of ghee.
🥕 Ingredients
Main:
Lemon-sized tamarind (soaked in warm water)
10–12 small onions (shallots)
5–6 cloves garlic
1 small tomato (optional)
3 tbsp sesame oil (gingelly oil)
A few curry leaves
Salt to taste
🌶️ Spice Powders
1½ tsp sambar powder
½ tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chilli powder (adjust to taste)
🍳 Preparation Method
1. Extract Tamarind Juice
Soak tamarind in warm water and extract thick juice. Keep aside.
2. Heat Oil & Sauté
Heat the sesame oil in a kadai.
Add curry leaves, shallots, and garlic.
Sauté until onions turn slightly golden.
3. Add Tomato
Add chopped tomato (if using) and cook until soft.
4. Add Tamarind & Spices
Pour tamarind extract into the pan.
Add turmeric, chilli powder, sambar powder, and salt.
Mix well and let it boil.
5. Simmer & Thicken
Cook on medium flame until the raw tamarind smell disappears.
Let it thicken, and the oil starts floating on top.
🌿 Tempering (Optional Extra Flavour)
Heat a little oil
Add mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, and a pinch of hing
Pour over the kuzhambu
🍛 Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with:
Steamed rice + ghee
Appalam (papad)
Simple poriyal (like cabbage or beans)
💡 Tips for Perfect Puli Kuzhambu
Use gingelly oil for an authentic taste
Slightly more oil helps preserve the kuzhambu longer
Add a small piece of jaggery for a balanced flavour
Tastes even better after a few hours or the next day
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