Growing up this was a delicacy which was made once in a while. We used to wait our turn to get the taste of these lentil balls. Lentils are packed with protein making this dish a healthy one. We make this dish by first grinding the dal. Then we either fry the batter and then form balls or form balls and steam them. Some people directly drop the uncooked balls in the gravy but since it is risky and might result in the balls breaking I have not tried that. Whichever method you choose this is one wholesome and healthy dish.
Ingredients
1 cup toor dal
3 red chillies
asafoetida
2 tsp oil
vadagam for seasoning(optional – can use mustard seeds instead)
1 medium onion chopped
1/2 medium tomato
Lemon size tamarind
3-4 tsp sambar powder
turmeric powder
salt
Method
Soak the toor dal and red chillies for a couple of hours. Grind the dal and chillies with salt and asafoetida.
To the ground batter add 1/2 of the chopped onion. This tip was given by my mom and I feel it makes the balls more soft. Make small balls and arrange in a vessel to steam.
The balls are steamed. Let it cool a bit before removing them from the vessel.
To make the kuzhambu first heat oil and splutter vadagam or mustard. Then add the remaining onion. When cooked add tomatoes and then tamarind juice.
Now add the turmeric and sambar powder.
Let it boil for few minutes. Then slowly add the balls one at a time.
After a couple of minutes simmer the flame and let the kuzhambu remain on the stove for 5-8 minutes. Avoid stirring a lot as the balls may break.
That is it. Yummy protein packed kuzhambu ready to be served. We had paruppu urundai kuzhambu rice and brussel sprouts curry. Wholesome and healthy meal.
Enjoy!
Tips
1. Vadagam is a seasoning where the main ingredients are mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves and onion. This adds a lot of flavor and aroma to the kuzhambu.
2. I found that the balls were tougher when I fried the gravy and then made balls. Adding onions and steaming made them very soft.
3. The balls soak up the gravy so have the gravy a little bit on the watery side.
4. For better taste let the balls stay in the gravy for 1/2 hour to 1 hour.
I am gonna try this for tomorrow lunch since i avoid deep frying I was not ready to make this curry but I did not know that we can steam and make this curry.
I love this kulambu…whenever i say the name my taste buds start to dance…beautiful recipe
Really mouth wathering recipe.This is my favourite ..
This looks awesome!! I should stop looking at pics with a full stomach. I am now hungry again
Thanks for stopping by my space.Loved your space too.I haven't had this curry before,but it sure sounds wonderful.
hi,
Thanks for a traditional recipe and wonderful clicks
First time here, you have a nice blog and some really good recipes
This is really so easy to make..This is my mums favorite dish,so glad you posted it…Please check my blog and please follow me..
http://yummytummy-aarthi.blogspot.com/
it's way different from what my mum makes it at home, shall try ur version next time i make them! and thanks for stopping and for your words of appreciation would enjoy each visit here!
Omg..what a great recipe..just loved it..great clicks too..awesome dear !!
healthy protein rich recipe..nice presentation too!
My mom's favorite kuzhambu. Looks awesome delicious.
One of my fav kuzhambu,looking inviting and gorgeous.
So delicious recipe,nice combo with rice.Simply superb.Thanks for visiting my site.I am happy to follow u.
Wonderful recipe as a replacement for meat! Yummy!
Love to have this anytime… Nice recipe dear…
Vardhini…first time visiting ur blog..u have many good recipes dear… This is my fav kuzhambu. I am happy to follow u.
Healthy and yummy kuzhamu..tempting curry.
This is so tempting and yummy! Great with rice…
Yummy kuzhambu, you reminded me that I haven't had this for a loooonnng time now.. wanna try soon… I also steam the balls before adding to gravy…
http://krithiskitchen.blogspot.com
i love this urundai kulambu..anyone asks whats your favourite gravy,immediately i used to say urundaikulambu..
wow my first visit here. Lovely mouth watering recipes.
http://www.vijiskitchen.blogspot.com
slurp- my fav-looks totally inviting !
Hi!
delicious recipe! looks lovely!
this looks sooo yummy .. I need to try this
My favourite kuzhambu,cant take my eyes from ur clicks,makes me hungry..
Lovely curry..
Love the kozhumbu with beautiful step by step pics…I make these by directly dropping the balls in the gravy without steaming it…I am the lazy kind
so nice vardhini. my pattima's favorite.
Nice dish, looks delicious.
Colorful and mouthwatering kulambu.
kurinjikathambam, Event: HRH-Healthy Summer, Roundup: HRH-Puffed Rice
My favorite kuzhambu…tempting me a lot …looks so yummy dear….very nice
Looks really yummy..must b gr8 wid rice…:)
Absolutely new and interesting recipe. Looks delicious and tempting.
Looks so delicious …glad to find your space n follow
wow delicious dear vardhini…love the lentil balls
Thanks for dropping dear,happy to follow ur space…
My fav kuzhambu,luks so delicious…
same pinch vardhini… Same recipe in my house today… looks lovely..