Poricha Kuzhambu

              Poricha Kuzhambu is also called as Puli Illa (tamarindless ) Curry as tamarind is not used.This is common with the Saiva Vellala and Saiva Mudaliar Community.It is also a pathia kulzhambu and highly recommended for the women who have delivered as only pepper is used and tamarind and chillies are totally avoided.

Ingredients :

Drumsticks                                 2
Drumstick leaves ( if available )   1 cup
Toor Dhal                                    1 cup
Small onions                                 12
Garlic Pods                                   6
Salt                                               2 tsp
Gingelly Oil                                   2 tsp
Grated coconut                              1 cup
Turmeric Powder
Mustard
Curry leaves

For roasting and grinding:

Black Pepper                          2 tsp
Zeera                                      1tsp
Coriander Seeds                      2 tbsp
Raw Rice                               1 tsp
Channa Dhal                          2 tsp
Curry Leaves                         2 tsp

Method :

1. Cook the toor dhal in a presssure cooker.
2. Roast the ingredients meant for grinding in little oil till the pepper starts splitting.Let them cool.
3. Powder the ingredients initially without water.Then add the finely sliced small onions, garlic and grind.Then add water and grind it to a fine paste.
4. Take 4 cups of water in a thick bottomed vessel,add the ground paste,salt ,turmeric powder, drumsticks and the drumstick leaves.Mix well and keep on the fire.
5. As the grinding has been done in a mixi, the paste won't be very fine and while the kuzhambu boils,it may stick to the sides of the vessel.Take care to mix it well and see that it does not come out of the vessel.
6. Grind the coconut with 1/2 tsp. of Zeera in a mixi.When the consistency of the boiling kuzhambu becomes thick, add the ground coconut and the cooked dhal. Mix well and reduce the flame.Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Remove from the fire and season with mustard and curry leaves.The tasty Poricha Kuzhambu, very good for health and digestion is ready.

Notes:

• If drumstick leaves are not available, it can be left out.In case it is available,let us spare some time to use as it has a lot of medicinal values.
• Brinjals or Broad Beans ( Avarakkai - any variety ) can also be used instead of drumsticks or along with the drumsticks.
• Many people use the sambar powder for this kuzhambu but using the freshly ground masala gives the unique taste and flavour.Raw rica and channa dhal are added as thickening agents.