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Kalyana Mor Kuzhambu

Kalyana mor kuzhambu

Kalyana Veetu Mor Kuzhambu is a delightful and creamy yogurt-based curry hailing from South Indian cuisine, particularly famous in Tamil Nadu weddings and festive occasions. This dish stands out due to its rich flavor, creamy texture, and the harmonious blend of spices that provide a tangy and mildly spicy taste, making it a favorite among guests.

Mor Kuzhambu is a delicious 😋 South Indian dish, particularly popular in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It's a yogurt-based curry typically flavored with coconut, green chilies, ginger and spices like cumin, and fenugreek seeds. It often includes vegetables like ash gourd, okra, or pumpkin, and sometimes includes lentil dumplings called "vadas." It's usually served with rice. Bonda Mor Kuzhambu, Paruppu urundai Mor kuzhambu are equally delicious 😋.

The speciality of Kalyana Veetu Mor Kuzhambu lies in its preparation and the unique combination of ingredients that contribute to its distinct taste and aroma. Here’s why it’s so special:

  1. The curry is seasoned with a carefully selected blend of spices such as mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds, and asafoetida, which are tempered in oil to release their aromatic flavors. This spice blend adds depth to the dish.

  2. The base of the curry is made with thick, sour yogurt, which gives the dish its creamy texture and tangy flavor. The acidity of the yogurt balances the heat from the green chilies and the spices, making it refreshing.

  3. Typically, vegetables like ash gourd, okra, pumpkin, or lady's finger , cucumbers are used, which add to the texture and nutritional value of the curry. The vegetables are cooked just right, retaining a bit of their crunch to contrast with the creamy sauce.

  4. Ground coconut is another key ingredient that contributes to the richness and thickness of the curry. It complements the yogurt with its sweet, nutty flavor and makes the curry more substantial.

  5. In Tamil weddings, Mor Kuzhambu is often served as part of a lavish feast, which includes a variety of dishes. Its presence on the menu adds a festive touch, symbolizing prosperity and abundance.

  6. The method of slowly adding the spiced coconut paste into the beaten yogurt and then carefully heating it up (without letting it boil) to avoid curdling, requires skill and attention. This technique ensures the curry has a smooth, velvety texture.

  7. Serving this dish at weddings and special occasions is a tradition that reflects the hospitality and cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. It’s a way of showing love and care through food, making guests feel special.

To make Kalyana Veetu Mor Kuzhambu, one must balance the flavors and spices carefully, ensuring the curry is neither too tangy nor too spicy but just right. Serving it with steamed rice and a side of pickle or a dry vegetable curry can make for a comforting and satisfying meal that brings a taste of Tamil Nadu weddings into your home.

Ingredients

1/2 tsp methi

1 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp pepper

1 tsp coriander seeds

3-4 green chilies

1-2 tbsp coconut oil

2 red chilies for tempering

1/2 tsp mustard seeds

Few curry leaves

Pinch of asafoetida powder

Pinch of turmeric powder

Salt

3/4,cup whisked curds

1-2 tbsp chana dal washed and soaked for 1 hour

3/4 cup fresh grated coconut

1 cup of cubed mangalore cucumbers.

You can use any vegetable like ash gourds , ladies fingers , colacassia, plain cucumbers.

Method :

In a pan with 1 tsp coconut oil roast methi seeds , pepper , cumin , coriander seeds , and grated coconut.

Cool and grind to a paste with the soaked Chana dal , 2-3 green chilies , a piece of ginger , 3/4 cup yogurt. Keep aside .

Meanwhile chop the Mangalore cucumbers into small cubes .

Add some water to a pan , cook the cucumbers in it with turmeric powder , few curry leaves , pinch of salt .

When the cucumber has turned tender , add the ground paste , dilute if needed . Allow to cook for a minute or two on low heat .

Prepare tempering with 1 tsp coconut oil , splutter mustard seeds , 2 red chilies , few curry leaves . Add the hot tempering to the prepared Mor Kuzhambu.

Serve delicious Mor Kuzhambu with beans Paruppu Usili.

Mor kuzhambu

Mor kuzhambu

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