Poondu Milagu Kuzhambu Recipe (Tamil Nadu Style Garlic and Black Pepper Curry)
Poondu Milagu Kuzhambu, a traditional and aromatic curry from Tamil Nadu, is a rich, flavorful tamarind-based dish enhanced with the boldness of garlic cloves and the earthy warmth of black peppercorns. This curry, also known as Garlic and Black Pepper Curry, is a wonderful blend of tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors that pairs beautifully with steamed rice and various accompaniments. Perfect for a hearty lunch or weekend feast, this South Indian recipe brings out the essence of traditional Tamil Nadu cuisine.
Cuisine: Tamil Nadu
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Garlic | 1/2 cup |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Jaggery | 2 teaspoons |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/ Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Tamarind | 30 grams |
| Methi seeds (Fenugreek) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig (washed) |
| Sesame (Gingelly) oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Pearl onions (Sambar Onions) | 1/2 cup (peeled) |
| Tomato | 1 (roughly chopped) |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 3 teaspoons |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry Red Chili | 2 |
| Sesame (Gingelly) oil (for roasting) | 1 teaspoon |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Instructions:
-
Soak Tamarind: Start by soaking the tamarind in warm water. Once soaked, extract the pulp and set it aside for later use.
-
-
Roast the Ingredients:
- Heat 1 teaspoon of sesame oil in a pan.
- Add the garlic cloves, sambar onions (pearl onions), chopped tomato, black peppercorns, cumin seeds, dry red chilies, and curry leaves to the pan.
- Sauté everything together until the raw smell of the garlic and onion disappears and the mixture becomes aromatic.
- Once done, remove from heat and allow the roasted ingredients to cool. Set them aside.
-
Temper the Spices:
- In a separate heavy-bottomed pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
- Add mustard seeds and methi (fenugreek) seeds to the oil. Let them crackle and release their flavor.
- Next, add the washed curry leaves and let them splutter in the hot oil.
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Saute Garlic:
- Add the garlic cloves to the pan and sauté them until they turn golden brown and fragrant.
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Add Tamarind and Turmeric:
- Add the tamarind extract and turmeric powder to the pan.
- Let it simmer for 5 minutes to cook off the raw smell of the tamarind.
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Grind the Roasted Mixture:
- Grind the roasted garlic, sambar onions, tomato, black peppercorns, cumin seeds, dry red chilies, and curry leaves into a smooth paste.
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Combine and Simmer:
- Add the ground paste to the pan with the tamarind mixture.
- Season with salt to taste and mix everything well.
- Let the curry simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the oil to separate from the curry.
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Add Jaggery:
- Stir in the jaggery and let the curry simmer for an additional 5 minutes. The jaggery will balance the tanginess of the tamarind with a subtle sweetness.
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Final Touches:
- Once the curry thickens and reaches the desired consistency, remove from heat.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Poondu Milagu Kuzhambu hot with steamed rice. For a complete Tamil Nadu-style lunch, pair it with traditional sides such as Carrot and Chow Chow Kootu, Cabbage Poriyal, and Vadams. The curry’s depth of flavor, complemented by the slight heat from black pepper and the rich, tangy base from tamarind, makes it an ideal dish to enjoy with family and friends during a leisurely meal.
Tips:
- Consistency: Adjust the consistency of the curry by adding a little water if it becomes too thick.
- Spice Level: If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the number of dried red chilies and black peppercorns used in the recipe.
- Sweetness: The jaggery adds a beautiful sweetness to the curry, but you can adjust the amount depending on your preference.
Poondu Milagu Kuzhambu is an absolute delight, showcasing the rich and diverse flavors of Tamil Nadu. This curry is a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and sweet notes that are sure to elevate any meal. Whether you’re making it for a simple family lunch or a special occasion, this traditional curry will transport you to the heart of South India with every bite.
Enjoy this Tamil Nadu Style Garlic and Black Pepper Curry and immerse yourself in the authentic taste of Southern India!
