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Drumstick (Murungaikkai) Pulikuzhambu

Lakshmi Thiru
Drumsticks Pulikuzhambu which originated in Tamil Nadu is a traditional tamarind-based curry bursting with tangy, spicy flavors. The tender drumsticks soak up the tanginess, aromatic spices, creating a comforting and flavorful dish. Perfect with steamed rice and Sutta appalam (Pappad), this classic recipe is a favorite in Tamil households, loved for its simplicity and bold taste.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine Indian, South Indian
Servings 6 people

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup Shallots chop them in halves
  • 10 nos. Garlic cut into slices
  • 1 sprig Curry leaves
  • 2 nos. Drumsticks cut into 2" pieces
  • 1 lemon sized Tamarind (OR) 1 and ½ tsp Tamarind paste
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
  • 3 tsp Sambar powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tsp Grated jaggery
  • 2 tbsp Sesame oil (Nallennai)
  • 3 to 4 cups Water

Seasoning

  • 2 tsp Sesame Oil (Nallennai)
  • 1 tsp Thaalikum Vengaya Vadavam (Dry seasoning balls)
  • 1 tsp Toor dhal
  • ½ tsp Methi (Fenugreek seeds)
  • ½ tsp Jeera (Cumin seeds)
  • 1/4 tsp Hing (Asafoetida)
  • 1 sprig Curry leaves

Instructions
 

Now, let's cook!

  • Soak tamarind in 1 cup of warm water for 15 mins. Squeeze it and extract the pulp.
  • Heat 2 tbsp oil in a kadai. when it's hot, add the garlic, shallots and curry leaves. Saute for a couple mins till the onions turn translucent.
  • Now add the drumsticks and saute for another couple of mins. If you don't get fresh drumsticks, you can always add the frozen ones.
  • Pour in the tamarind water along with 3 cups of water.
  • Add turmeric powder, sambar powder, and salt and mix it well.
  • Bring this to a full boil, then reduce the flame to low-medium flame and let it cook. It will take about 20 to 30 mins.
  • The kuzhambu would have reduced to a thicker consistency and you may turn it off and add the grated jaggery at this stage.
  • Season it with the ingredients under 'Seasoning'
  • Let it sit for 15 mins before eating.
  • Enjoy the pulikuzhambu over hot rice and ghee or sesame oil with a side of sutta appalam. Heaven.....

Tips

  • Use fresh drumsticks for better taste.
  • You can make the pulikuzhambu with only onion and garlic.
  • It definitely tastes the best with so much oil. You can always reduce the quantity of oil used.
  • Tastes even better (if you have any leftovers) the next day :)