Munakaya Pulusu

Ingredients

• - 250g drumstick (munakaya)
• - Large tamarind ball
• - 3 tbsp sesame oil
• - 1 large onion
• - 2 tomatoes
• - 2 tsp red chilli powder
• - 1/2 tsp fenugreek powder
• - 1/4 tsp turmeric
• - 1 tsp jaggery
• - Salt to taste

Method

1. Prepare drumstick: Wash 5-6 munakaya (drumstick) pods. Scrape the outer skin lightly. Cut into 3-inch pieces.
2. Soak tamarind: Soak a lemon-sized tamarind in 1.5 cups warm water. Extract and strain.
3. Make base: Heat 2 tbsp oil. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds. When they pop add 1 tsp cumin seeds, 4 garlic cloves, 2 dried red chillies and curry leaves.
4. Add shallots and tomatoes: Add 8 sliced shallots and fry 6 minutes. Add 2 chopped tomatoes and cook 5 minutes.
5. Add spice powders: Add 1.5 tsp red chilli powder, 1 tsp coriander powder and half tsp turmeric. Fry 2 minutes.
6. Add tamarind water and drumstick: Pour tamarind water. Add drumstick pieces and salt. Bring to a boil.
7. Simmer: Cook on medium heat 12-15 minutes until drumstick is tender and easily releases its inner flesh.
8. Add jaggery: Add 1 tsp jaggery. Stir well.
9. Check consistency: Munakaya pulusu should be thin but flavourful.
10. Serve: Adjust salt. Drumstick adds its characteristic nutty flavour to the pulusu. Serve with steamed rice.