Simple easy to make Appalam Kuzhambu, with very minimal ingredients from kitchen staples. Appalam Vatha Kuzhambu recipe with detailed step-wise pictures.
In a thick bottomed pan heat gingelly oil. Add mustard seeds, urad dal, chana dal, roughly torn dried red chillies. Fry until the dals are golden and mustard starts popping.
Add asafoetida, fresh curry leaves and sliced shallots.
As the shallots are turning translucent, add broken appalam pieces.
Fry them for 2-3 mins until they are crisp. And then add sambar powder, turmeric powder. Fry for a minute until the raw smell is gone.
Now add ½ cup water to begin with and add tamarind paste. Mix well. Cook for 3-4 mins.
Add some more water as needed (½ to ¾ cup) and slowly bring the gravy to a boil. Add salt followed by jaggery powder. Mix well.
Slow cook kulambu for 7-8 mins on low flame until it is boiling and is thickened. Add more water based on the consistency desired. Remove from heat.