Vathal Kolambu | Sundakkai Vatha Kuzhambu

Turkey berry known as sundakkai in Tamil is rich in medicinal value. We have a plant in our home garden in India. I was missing this after coming to US. Last week I was lucky enough to spot the dried berries in Indian grocery. Sundakkai aids in digestion and good for health. The bitter taste of this vathal tempted me to make my mom's vatha kuzhambu. It can be taken as a side dish to Rice with Appalam. It also goes well with Idli and Dosa. Please check below for step by step instructions and pictures for preparing  my mom's version of South Indian tangy Sundakkai Vatha Kuzhambu.
Preparation Time:     10 mins

Cook Time :                20 mins

Ready in :                   30 mins
Yields :                         4 Servings

Ingredients:

Table 1: To fry and grind

Oil	1 tbsp
Garlic cloves	4
Chana dal | Kadalai paruppu	1 tsp
Urad dal |Ulutham paruppu	1 tsp
Cumin seeds | Seeragam	1/2 tsp
Coriander seeds | Dhaniya	2 tsp
Red Chillies	2 or 3
Onions chopped	1/2 Cup
Tomato chopped	1/2 Cup
Curry leaves	3 to 5
Salt
Turmeric powder	1/4 tsp
Coriander powder	1  tsp
Shredded coconut	3 tbsp
Coriander leaves	2 stalks

Table 2:

Gingelly Oil	2 tbsp
Mustard seeds	1/4 tsp
Onion(Finely chopped)	1/4 Cup
Curry leaves	1 stalk
Sundakkai Vathal	1/4 Cup
Tamarind	Half Lemon Size

Instructions:

• Heat Oil in the pan and add cumin seeds, coriander seeds, urad dal, channa dal and red chillies. When they splutter,add curry leaves, garlic and onions.Fry till onions turn translucent. Add tomatoes and fry till tomatoes turn mushy.

•  Add turmeric powder, coriander powder and coriander leaves. Fry it for  2 minutes. Lastly add shredded coconut and salt. Switch off the stove and allow the mixture to cool down. Grind the mixture by adding enough water and keep it ready. Soak tamarind in hot water for 10 minutes. Squeeze the seeds and fiber to get the tamarind juice.

•  Take oil from table 2 and heat it in a pan. Add mustard seeds. When they splutter add  curry leaves. Add vathal and once vathal is cooked add chopped onions. Fry till onions turn translucent. Add ground mixture and add 1.5 cups of water. Allow the gravy to boil and  add tamarind juice. Cook till Oil separates add salt if needed.

Vathal Kolambu | Sundakkai Vatha Kuzhambu

Tips:

• Red chillies can be replaced by chilli powder.
• Adjust red chillies to your taste.