Search for a recipe

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Traditionally Modern Food
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • Privacy Policy
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipe Index
    • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Poondu Kuzhambu | Varuthu araicha kulambu

    July 27, 2025 By Vidya Srinivasan Leave a Comment

    0 shares
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    Poondu Kuzhambu | Varuthu araicha kulambu | garlic kuzhambu | vatha kuzhambu | Arachuvitta vatha kulambu | Kara Kuzhambu | Puli kulambu | Tamil Nadu style kara kuzhambu |chettinadu kara kuzhambu | chettinadu style puli kuzhambu |  Saravana Bhavan kara kuzhambu | hotel puli kulambu | hotel-style puli kuzhambu | arachuvitta vatha kuzhambu | south Indian puli kuzhambu | easy puli Kuzhambu recipe with step-by-step pictures and video recipe. Check out the vatha kuzhambu video recipe, and if you like the video, pls SUBSCRIBE to my channel.

    Poondu Kuzhambu | Varuthu Arachicha Kulambu | Garlic Kuzhambu | Vatha Kuzhambu | Arachuvitta Vatha Kulambu | Kara Kuzhambu is a tasty South Indian tamarind-based kuzhambu variety. Tamil Nadu-style puli kuzhambu is a popular hotel-style kara kuzhambu recipe. 

    Poondu vatha kuzhambu recipe

    I love tamarind-based Kuzhambu recipes. When it comes to homemade puli Kuzhambu recipes manathakali vathal kuzhambu, Appalam Kuzhambu, and Onion Vatha Kuzhambu are some of my favorite kulambu varieties.  I also love two versions of Tamil Nadu hotel-style Kara Kuzhambu with and without coconut. Freshly ground kuzhambu masala without coconut gives an aromatic flavor to the poondu kara kuzhambu. 

    How much puli should I use for the Kuzhambu recipe?

    Though it is a puli kuzhambu (tamarind-based) recipe, the sourness for this particular Kuzhambu is from tamarind and tomatoes

    Can I use Sambar powder?

    Yes, you can use Sambar powder instead of Kashmiri chili powder. Freshly ground Kuzhambu masala gives an aromatic flavor to the Kuzhambu, so I would recommend that for Tamil hotel-style kulambu 

    Color of the puli kuzhambu  

    The color of the hotel-style kara Kuzhambu totally depends on various factors like the Chilli powder you use, tamarind, etc. I have used Kashmiri Chilli powder 

    shelf life of Kuzhambu 

    Puli-based Kuzhambu variety generally stays good for 3-4 days. You can store it at room temperature. Perfect travel food

    What should be the consistency of puli kuzhambu?

    In our home, we prefer slightly runny kara kuzhambu. Adjust the water according to the consistency you desire.  

    Can I use frozen garlic in the Kuzhambu?

    Garlic gives the Hotel flavor, so I add more. You can skip the small onion.  If you like garlic flavor, try Poondu Kuzhambu. Also, marandhu Kuzhambu and Milagu Kuzhambu are my other favorite garlic-based Kuzhambu.

    Kuzhambu varieties  with tamarind

    Kuzhambu varieties without tamarind 

    Pulikaichal

    puli aval

    instant puli sadam

    Ingredients

    To roast

    1/4 fenugreek seeds

    1/2 teaspoon chana dal

    1/4 teaspoon urad dal

    1/2 teaspoon pepper

    Curry leaves

    1/2 tablespoon coriander seeds

    5 garlic

    1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

    To temper

    3 tablespoons sesame oil

    1/2 teaspoon mustard seed

    For kuzhambu

    1+1/2 cups garlic clovesA 

    few curry leaves

    1/2 tablespoon Kashmiri chilli powder

    1 teaspoon chilli powder

    2 + 1/2  of tamarind water

    required salt

    jaggery little

    How to make poondu kuzhambu with step-by-step pictures 

    • Add fenugreek seeds, urad dal, chana dal, pepper, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and sesame oil in a heavy-bottomed pan and saute well

    • Furthermore, add garlic and curry leaves; saute

    • cool completely. Add a little water and grind

    • Add sesame oil to a wide pan and heat
    • When oil is hot, add mustard seeds; splutter

    • Furthermore, add garlic and  curry leaves; saute till they turn golden brown

    • Add Kashmiri chilli powder and chilli powder; give a quick mix

    • Furthermore, add tamarind water, salt, and boil for 5 minutes

    • Add ground masala and  jaggery; boil till the kuzhambu comes together

    poondu kuzhambu

    varuthu araicha kuzhambu
    No ratings yet
    Print Pin Comment

    Ingredients

    To roast

    • 1/4 fenugreek seeds
    • 1/2 teaspoon chana dal
    • 1/4 teaspoon urad dal
    • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
    • Curry leaves
    • 1/2 tablespoon coriander seeds
    • 5 garlic
    • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

    To temper

    • 3 tablespoons sesame oil
    • 1/2 teaspoon mustard seed

    For kuzhambu

    • 1 +1/2 cups garlic clovesA
    • few curry leaves
    • 1/2 tablespoon Kashmiri chilli powder
    • 1 teaspoon chilli powder
    • 2 + 1/2 of tamarind water
    • required salt
    • jaggery little

    Instructions

    • Add fenugreek seeds, urad dal, chana dal, pepper, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and sesame oil in a heavy-bottomed pan and saute well
    • Furthermore, add garlic and curry leaves; saute
    • cool completely. Add a little water and grind
    • Add sesame oil to a wide pan and heat
    • When oil is hot, add mustard seeds; splutter
    • Furthermore, add garlic and  curry leaves; saute till they turn golden brown
    • Add Kashmiri chilli powder and chilli powder; give a quick mix
    • Furthermore, add tamarind water, salt, and boil for 5 minutes
    • Add ground masala and  jaggery; boil till the kuzhambu comes together

    Video

    Subscribe to my YouTube channelCheck out Traditionally Modern Food!
    Tried this recipe?Mention @traditionallymodernfood or tag #traditionallymodernfood!

    « Annavaram Prasadam | Cracked wheat kesari
    Aadi perukku recipes | Aadi 18 recipes »

    Categories

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Vidya's portrait in a circle

    Hi, I am Vidya Srinivasan. Thanks for visiting my page.

    Discover traditional Indian recipes with a modern twist - Indian vegetarian recipes, South Indian recipes, and simply the best Indian recipes you can find online. Sign up to stay tuned for my updates!

    More about me →

    Let's Connect

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Mail
    • Pinterest
    • RSS Feed
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Sign Up

    Sign up to my Newsletter and receive my new recipes straight into your e-mail box!

    Featured on Google for Publishers

    click on the image to read more

    Hot beverages recipes

    • Hot Apple Cider | Spiced Apple cider
    • Kashayam | Herbal tea
    • Kashmiri Chai | Pink tea | noon tea
    • Ragi Malt | Ragi porridge | Ragi Kanji

    See more hot beverages recipes

    See More →

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Shortcuts

    • About Vidya
    • Privacy Policy

    Traditionally Modern Food retina mobile menu logo
    • Sign up for my recipe updates!

    Let's Connect

    • Mail
    • Facebook
    • Instagram

    Copyright © 2021 • Traditionally Modern Food

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required