This is a tangy and spicy curry the sourness primarily comes from the tamarind juice.In Tamil Eral or Iral meaning prawns, Murungai - Drumsticks which are widely used popular vegetables in South India and kulambu stands for liquid curry.
The scientific name of drumstick trees is Moringa Oleifera a tree which is rich in vitamins ,minerals and amino acids necessary for a healthy body.
Drumsticks has enormous benefits including building immunity for several infectious diseases like pox.In this curry the prawns are simmered in a gravy with tamarind and coconut.The taste is very different from the other traditional curries using coconut due to the presence of tomatoes and tamarind and of course drumsticks..
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Ingredients
- Prawns (6 to 8 jumbo or medium)
- Garlic cloves(6 to 8 smashed and chopped)
- Onions ( chopped 1 cup)
- curry leaves (6 to 8)
- Methi seeds (1 tsp)
- Cumin seeds(1 tsp)
- Mustard seeds(1 tsp)
- Green chilies(2 to 3 chopped)
- Red chilly powder(1 tbsp)
- Coriander powder(1 tbsp)
- Tomato( 1 chopped finely)
- Tamarind( a small ball dissolved in 1 cup of water)
- Coconut milk or coconut paste(2 tbsp)
- Turmeric(1 tsp)
- Drumsticks(6 to 7 pieces)
- Sesame oil(1 tbsp) for seasoning
- Oil(2 tbsp)
Preparation
- Marinate the prawns with turmeric and salt.
- Add 2 tbsp of oil and heat.
- Add mustards seeds.When they start spluttering add fenugreek seeds,cumin seeds and curry leaves.
- Add chopped onions ,garlic and green chillies.Fry.
- Add tomatoes ,stir and cook til it forms a creamy texture and oil starts separating.
- Add salt,coriander and chilly powder and simmer.Add the drumstick and 1/2 cup of water and cover cook ,till the gravy thickens.
- Add the prawns and cook for 5 to 10 minutes.Add the coconut milk and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the tamarind juice dissolved in water and cook till the gravy thickens to desired consistency.
- Garnish with curry leaves and serve with steamed rice.