Vathakuzhambhu

Other names - Vathalkuzhambhu / Vethalkuzhambhu / Manathakkali Vethalkuzhambhu

Prep Time: 10 min
Cooking Time: 15 min
Serves: 3

Ingredients

1. Black nightshade / Hound's berry / Duscle - 3 tbsp
2. Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
3. Thick tamarind extract - 3/4 cup
4. Thick jaggery extract - 2 to 3 tbsp
5. Gingelly oil - 2 tbsp + 1 tbsp
6. Water - 2 cups
7. Salt - to taste

For seasoning

1. Curry leaves - few
2. Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
3. Asafoetida bar - 3 small pebble sized pieces

Method

1. Heat gingelly oil in wok, add mustard seeds; let it splutter.
2. Add asafoetida pieces & fry until golden brown.
3. Add blacknightshade, turmeric powder, curry leaves, salt & saute for a min or two.
4. Add thick tamarind extract, water, jaggery extract, salt & allow to boil for 10 to 15 min until fairly thick.
5. Serve with steamed rice along with a dash of gingelly oil or along with Thenga thogayal & Sutta kathirikkai thayir pachadi.