#Paruppu Urundai Kulambu ( Curry made with Lentil balls)

The word 'Paruppu' means Lentils..... 'Urundai' means Balls...... 'Kulambu' means Curry. It is a traditional south Indian curry which is made out tamarind and coconut milk or paste mixture. The balls are made out of lentils and cooked with the curry. Though the process is long, all you need are few ingredients and some planning, that is it, the curry can be done so quick. Lets get into the recipe.......😊😊

Serves :- 2-3 people

Preparation time :- 20 minutes

Cooking time :- 25 minutes

Measurements :- in grams and in spoons

*tbsp - Tablespoon
*tsp   - Teaspoon

Ingredients 

For lentil balls

1. Chana Dal - 100 grams / 1 cup ( from Asian / Indian shop )
2. Fennel Seeds - 1 tbsp
3. Ginger - half inch piece
4. Water - 200 ml / 2 cups
5. Onion - 1 medium
6. Coriander leaves - few 
7. Curry leaves - few

For Curry 

1. Shallots - ¼ cup
2. Garlic - 3to 4
3. Tomato - 2 medium sized
4. Sambar powder - 1 tbsp 
5. Turmeric powder - 1 tsp
6. Grated or desiccated coconut - ½ cup (or coconut milk)
7. Tamarind paste - 1 tbsp
8. Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
9. Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
10. Oil -  1 tbsp
11. Red dry chillies - 3 pieces ( if you like)

Method for Lentil balls

1. Wash the lentils for two times and soak it in water for 2-3 hrs.( Chick peas could also be used instead. But the soaking time for chick peas is 6 hours or overnight)  
2. Then drain the water and grind the lentils, ginger and fennel seeds together coarsely (not smooth). 
3. Then add finely chopped onion, coriander, curry leaves and salt according to your taste and give a mix. 
4. Then make small balls and keep it aside. Make sure that not to make very tight balls so that it do not cook properly inside. 

Method for Curry

1. In a wide pan add oil and heat it in medium heat. Then add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, red chillies, shallots and garlic. Saute them for 1 minute. 
2. Then add tomatoes, sambar and turmeric powder. Give a mix and cook them for one minute. Then tamarind paste and mix well. Next add 1½  cup of water and salt to taste. Let this mixture boil in medium flame for 2 minutes. 
3. Then low down the heat and start adding the lentil balls one by one very slowly without dashing each other. Do not touch or turn the balls now. Let it boil inside the curry for 5 minutes. 
4. After 5 minutes turn the balls slowly on the other side and let it cook for 5 minutes again.
5. Then grind the coconut with little water and make a smooth paste. Add this paste to the curry and also add salt according to your taste. Let it cook on the other side for 5 minutes. (If you do not have grated or desiccated coconut then add coconut milk). 
6. Finally sprinkle some fresh coriander and curry leaves. It is done. 

Enjoy this curry with hot rice and Indian Pappad which are the best combination. 😊 

For any doubts and questions post it in the comment section below.