Ellu Kuzhambu Recipe – Sesame Seeds Kuzhambu
A flavor-packed South Indian delight, Ellu Kuzhambu or Sesame Seeds Kuzhambu, combines aromatic sesame and spices in a tangy tamarind base. This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, Mangalorean Neer Dosa, or Poha Dosa, making it an ideal choice for a wholesome and satisfying dinner. The combination of black and white sesame seeds, along with a medley of dals and spices, offers a delightful burst of flavors that is both comforting and nourishing. A rich, high-protein vegetarian dish, this recipe is a staple in many South Indian households, offering a unique twist on traditional curries.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pearl onions (Sambar onions) – chopped | 1 cup |
| Potatoes (Aloo) – cut into cubes | 2 potatoes |
| Tomatoes – finely chopped | 2 tomatoes |
| Red chili powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | As required |
| Tamarind | 25 grams |
| Sesame (Gingelly) oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Mustard seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Methi Seeds (Fenugreek Seeds) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sesame seeds (Til seeds) | 1 tablespoon |
| Black sesame seeds | 1 tablespoon |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 2 teaspoons |
| Chana Dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Servings
3 servings
Cuisine
South Indian Recipes
Course
Dinner
Diet
High-Protein Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prepare Tamarind Extract:
- Start by soaking the tamarind in 2 glasses of water. Let it soak for about 10 minutes to extract the juice. Set it aside.
-
Roast the Sesame Seeds:
- In a preheated pan, add the sesame seeds and black sesame seeds. Dry roast them for a few seconds, stirring continuously, until the seeds start to pop and release a delightful aroma. Once done, transfer them into a bowl and set aside.
-
Roast the Dals:
- In the same pan, add urad dal and chana dal. Dry roast the dals, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown. Once roasted, remove them from the pan and place them in a bowl to cool.
-
Roast the Cumin Seeds:
- Next, dry roast the cumin seeds until they begin to change color and emit a fragrant aroma. Transfer them to the bowl with the dals.
-
Grind the Seeds and Dals:
- Once the sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, and dals have cooled, add them into a mixer grinder. Add black pepper powder and grind them into a coarse powder. Set the ground mixture aside.
-
Cook the Kuzhambu:
- Heat sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and methi seeds. Let them splutter and release their flavors into the oil.
- Add the chopped pearl onions to the pan and sauté until they turn golden brown and caramelized.
- Add the finely chopped tomatoes, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Continue to sauté the mixture until the tomatoes soften and turn mushy.
-
Add Tamarind Extract:
- Once the tomatoes have softened, pour in the tamarind extract and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes or until the raw smell of tamarind disappears.
-
Add the Ground Sesame Powder:
- Add the ground sesame powder to the pan. Stir well to combine, and allow the mixture to boil for another 2-3 minutes, letting all the flavors meld together.
-
Finish and Serve:
- After the Ellu Kuzhambu has cooked for 2-3 minutes, turn off the heat. The rich, flavorful gravy is now ready to be served.
-
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this Ellu Kuzhambu with steamed rice, or pair it with Mangalorean Neer Dosa or Poha Dosa for a complete meal. This dish also complements other South Indian delicacies like idli or dosa.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
(Values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
| Potassium | 600mg |
| Vitamin A | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 20% |
| Calcium | 6% |
| Iron | 10% |
Tips for the Perfect Ellu Kuzhambu:
- Tamarind Balance: Adjust the amount of tamarind based on your preference for tanginess. If you prefer a less tangy dish, reduce the tamarind slightly.
- Spice Level: You can adjust the red chili powder to suit your spice tolerance. For a milder version, use less or opt for a mild chili powder.
- Consistency: If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add a bit of water while cooking. For a thicker Kuzhambu, allow it to cook down a bit more.
- Serving: Ellu Kuzhambu is delicious with plain steamed rice, idli, or dosa. It also pairs wonderfully with Mangalorean Neer Dosa or Poha Dosa for an authentic South Indian meal.
Ellu Kuzhambu is not only tasty but also offers a good dose of protein and fiber thanks to the combination of dals and sesame seeds, making it a healthy choice for dinner. The dish’s unique blend of flavors from sesame, tamarind, and spices is sure to impress anyone at your dining table.
