To begin making Kathirikai Sundakkai Vathal Kuzhambu, prep all the ingredients and keep ready.

Extract the tamarind water, until you get 2 cups of tamarind water from the soaked tamarind. Keep this aside.

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat; add the sundakkai and roast until it is dark brown in colour and crisp. Once roasted, keep the sundakkai to the side.

Preheat oil in a pan over medium heat, add the mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds. Allow it to crackle.

Add the curry leaves, asafoetida, onion and brinjal (drain the water it was soaked in). Saute the onion and brinjal until the onion is roasted and brinjal is cooked and roasted. Cover the pan so the brinjal cooks faster.

Once done, add the roasted sundakkai, tamarind water, water, homemade sambar powder, jaggery and salt. Simmer the Kathirikai Sundakkai Vathal Kuzhambu for 15 to 20 minutes until the raw taste from the tamarind goes away and the vathal kuzhambu has thickened. 

Give the Kathirikai Sundakkai Vathal Kuzhambu a stir occasionally so that the gravy does not stick to the bottom. Once done, check the taste and adjust the salt and spices accordingly. Turn off the heat and transfer the Kathirikai Sundakkai Vathal Kuzhambu to a serving bowl and serve hot.

Serve this delicious Kathirikai Sundakkai Vathal Kuzhambu along with Hot Steamed Rice, Capsicum Masala Poriyal Recipe and Elai Vadam for a delicious Tamilnadu Style lunch.