Iru Puli Kuzhambu: A South Indian Tamarind and Yogurt Stew

25 minutes

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4.25 from 4 votes

About Iru Puli Kuzhambu: A South Indian Tamarind and Yogurt Stew

Experience the vibrant flavors of Kanyakumari with Iru Puli Kuzhambu, a tangy and rich South Indian stew that will tantalize your taste buds. This unique culinary delight features a harmonious blend of tamarind and yogurt, creating a complex flavor profile that's both comforting and exciting.
This versatile stew pairs perfectly with a variety of South Indian staples, from fluffy rice and crispy dosas to soft sevai, savory uppma kozhukattai, and delicate adai. Follow our easy step-by-step guide and bring the authentic taste of this South Indian delicacy to your home kitchen.
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Recipe Time & More

Prep10 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Total25 minutes
Calories184 kcal
Serves4
Served AsLunch
Recipe TasteSaltyTangy

Ingredients
 

Spice Paste

Tamarind and Yogurt Mixture

  • 1 Tamarind small gooseberry-sized piece (half the amount used for sambar)
  • 2 cup Yogurt blended smooth with 1/2 cup water, mildly sour

Vegetables and Seasoning

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Instructions
 

  • Heat 2 teaspoons of coconut oil in a pan. Add the dried red chilies, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds. Roast over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant. This toasting process deepens the flavor of the spices.
    Iru Puli Kuzhambu: A South Indian Tamarind and Yogurt Stew - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Once the spices have cooled, combine them with the grated coconut in a blender. Add a little water and grind to a smooth paste. Set aside.
  • In a separate pot, soak the tamarind in 1 cup of hot water for about 10 minutes. Squeeze the tamarind to extract the pulp and discard the solids. This tamarind water will form the base of the stew.
  • Add the chopped vegetables and salt to the tamarind water. Bring to a boil and cook until the vegetables are tender.
  • Whisk the ground spice paste into the smoothly blended yogurt. Ensure there are no lumps. This yogurt mixture adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor to the kuzhambu.
  • Gently pour the yogurt mixture into the pot with the cooked vegetables and tamarind water. Stir well to combine. Do not boil vigorously after adding the yogurt, as this can cause it to curdle.
  • Simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat. Add fresh curry leaves. The curry leaves enhance the aroma and flavor of the stew.
  • For the tempering, heat a small amount of coconut oil in a separate pan. Add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter. Add a few dried red chilies for extra heat, if desired. Pour this tempering over the kuzhambu. Garnish with fresh curry leaves.

Recipe Notes

Expert Tips

  • For a richer flavor, consider using bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless, skinless breasts.
  • Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less chili powder and cayenne pepper.
  • If you don't have fresh cilantro, you can substitute with parsley or omit it altogether.

Storage Instructions

  • Store leftover chicken chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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4.25 from 4 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 184kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 15gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 34mgPotassium: 334mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 2954IUVitamin C: 102mgCalcium: 179mgIron: 3mg

Subhashni Venkatesh
Subhashni Venkatesh

I am a native of Kanyakumari district, brought up in Tiruchirapalli, and settled in Tirunelveli. I started exploring cooking at the age of 15 and learned a variety of recipes from my two grandmothers, friends, aunts, mother, and mother-in-law.

Cooking is, of course, my passion. I work as a teacher, and my colleagues love to receive recipes and tips from me, just as I enjoy learning from them. My son and husband encourage me to experiment with and innovate new dishes."

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4.25 from 4 votes

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