Vathal Kozhambu

Vathal is basically sun dried vegetables. Most TamBram homes would have a stock of sundakkai or manathakkali vathal. But vathal kozhambu can also be made from fresh vegetables. But our family loves the tomato vathal kozhambu.

Ingredients
Mustard seeds - 1/4 tbsp
Fenugreek seeds - 1/4 tbsp
Channa Dal - 1 tbsp
Tamarind - size of a lemon
Curry leaves - a little
Red Chili - 1
Asafoetida - 1/4 tbsp
Salt to taste
Oil for cooking (Gingelly Oil preferably)

Method
Heat oil in a pan and add fenugreek seeds. Add mustard seeds and once they splutter add channa dal, asafoetida, curry leaves and any vathal or fresh vegetables and saute (Use anything from Drumstick, Cluster Beans, Brinjal, Okra, Bitter Gourd, Broad Beans to Tomato). We have used red pumpkin.
Add tamarind extract, sambar powder and salt and allow to boil until the raw smell is gone.
Once a saucy consistency is reached, add some jaggery(optional) and serve hot with Parupu sadam (Dal Rice) and Sutta Appalam (Roasted Papad).

Instead of the fresh vegetables/vathal you can make this with pearl onions and garlic. My hubby is an ardent fan of this version.

Bon Appetit!!
Rudra