South Indian cuisine is a treasure trove of delicious and hearty dishes that you can add to your everyday meals. Made with a vibrant mix of sour, sweet and spicy elements, there is something for everyone in this region. Among the states that make up this region, Tamil Nadu stands out for its rich culinary traditions. Beyond the traditional idli, dosa and sambar, this state offers a variety of delicious dishes like kuzhambu that you can incorporate into your diet, especially for a hearty lunch. It is a tamarind-based curry that can be prepared with a variety of ingredients. Here are six types of kuzhambu from Tamil Nadu that are perfect for your afternoon meal.
Kara In Zambu
Kara kuzhambu is one of the most popular varieties of this dish. It features eggplant and can be prepared in both spicy and mildly sweet versions. This kuzhambu is similar to sambar, but has a stronger, spicier flavour profile. Other vegetables such as drumsticks or pulses can also be added to enhance the dish. Traditional kara kuzhambu is quite spicy, but you can easily adjust the spiciness level to suit your taste. It pairs well with steamed rice and makes for a satisfying and filling lunch.
Kuzhambu squash
If you are not a fan of pumpkin, this kuzhambu might just change your mind. This dish combines the sweetness of yellow pumpkin with the tangy kick of tamarind, making it a healthy dish. Shallots and garlic are other main ingredients in this kuzhambu. It is a perfect accompaniment to steamed rice.
Mor Kuzhambu
Mor kuzhambu is the Tamil Nadu version of the North Indian kadhi. The word “mor” translates to curd or buttermilk, which forms the base of this dish. This curd-based curry is enriched with vegetables such as eggplant, okra, pumpkin or cucumber. This creamy and tangy dish has a subtle spicy kick that is gentle on the stomach and incredibly comforting.
Vatha Kuzhambu
It is a simple yet delicious dish made from sun-dried turkey berries, which are cooked in tamarind water and seasoned with spices like sambar powder, turmeric and asafoetida. Vatha kuzhambu is quick to prepare and is best enjoyed with a serving of hot steamed rice.
Meen Kuzhambu
For seafood lovers, meen kuzhambu is a must-try. This fish curry is typically prepared with mackerel or pomfret in a thick, rich gravy made with a spicy coconut mixture. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and pairs perfectly with steamed rice for a hearty and filling lunch.
Vendakkai Puli kuzhambu
The term ‘puli’ means tamarind, which is the star ingredient in this type of kuzhambu along with ladyfingers. The gravy is thick and tangy and is spiced with garlic, sambar powder and coconut. You can enjoy it with rice, roti, appam or even idli for a filling lunch on a weekday with the family.
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