Vendakkai Puli Kulambu Without Coconut

I wanted to try puli kuzhambu with vendakkai for a long time. I made it for today's lunch and I loved it. I made this gravy without coconut. Its a very simple recipe. I prepared it just like my usual vatha kulambu. It tastes good when mixed with plain rice adding gingely oil / nalla ennai. Do try this lady's finger kuzhambu without coconut and share your feedback with me :))

INGREDIENTS 

• Okra / lady's finger / vendakkai - 10 nos (Chop into round slices)
• Tamarind - Big gooseberry size
• **Sambar powder -  1 tbsp Or Red chilli powder + Dhania powder - 2 tsp each
• Salt - as needed
• Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
• Rice flour - 1/2 tsp + water - 1/4 cup
• Jaggery - a small piece

To temper :

• Cooking oil or Sesame oil - 2 tbsp
• Methi seeds / Fenugreek seeds - 1/4 tsp
• Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
• Jeera / cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp
• Urad dal - 1/2 tsp
• Toor dal - 1/2 tsp
• Small onions - 2 nos (finely chopped)
• Garlic cloves - 4 nos (-do-)
• Curry leaves - few (-do-)

METHOD :

• Soak tamarind in warm water for 20 mins and take the extract. Add salt , sambar powder and turmeric powder. Set aside.
• Now in a kadai , heat oil and add the tempering items in the same order. Saute for a while.Now add the chopped lady's finger pieces and saute well. Saute till lady's finger cooks well.
• Now add the tamarind extract and allow it to boil till okra gets cooked. Add a small piece of jaggery. Lastly add the rice flour mixed with water and add to the kuzhambu. 
• Let it boil for a minute. Kuzhambu thickens slightly. 
• Switch off the flame. Transfer to a bowl and add a tsp of gingely oil. Cover it and serve after 30 mins. This gives a special flavor for the gravy.

Mix with plain rice & enjoy with sutta appalam :)
** For sambar powder recipe, please click for homemade recipe. U can use your homemade or store bought powder too. There will be no change in taste I guess.