Ingredients

• tamarind - 1 small lemon size
• onion - 1 chopped
• urad dal - 1 tsp
• chana dal - 1 tsp
• sambar powder(home made) - 2.5 tsp
• asafoetida
• salt to taste
• For Making Instant Mix for Vathakuzhambu-
• dhania (coriander seeds) - 1 tbsp
• red chillies - 12
• fenugreek seeds - 1 tbsp
• chana dal - 1 tsp
• toor dal - 1 tsp
• Slightly roast them in a very little amount of oil and then grind them together

How to Make Vathakuzhambu

• Soak the tamarind in 2.5 cups of water. Heat 2 tbsp of oil(preferably sesame oil) in a kadai. Add mustard seeds and allow to splutter.
• Then add urad dal and chana dal (each 1 tsp), fry them till its golden brown.
• Add chopped onions and saute them till is soft and light brown.
• Pour the 2.5 cups of tamarind extract over the onions.
• Add salt, sambhar mix, asafoetida, and allow it to boil for some time.
• The quantity of the tamarind extract should reduce to 2 cups.
• Garnish with coriander leaves and serve with rice.
• Note: Instead of onions, we can also use brinjal, lady's finger, drumstick and pumpkin (orange).