Paruppu Urundai Masala Kuzhambu | Steamed Lentil Balls in Masala Gravy

Last weekend hubby wanted something different from the usual lunch and I suggested this side dish for steamed rice.Then MIL suggested that I add some masala to the gravy for a better taste.So here it is -Paruppu Urundai Masala Kuzhambu.Everyone at home liked it so much that we did not have any leftovers for lunch.In fact Hubby loved it that he asked me to prepare and pack the same thing for lunch the next day!!!

Here is what you need to do..

Soak 1 cup gram dal, 1/2 a cup toor dal,3 red chillies for not more than half an hour.Drain completely and grind to a not-so-smooth paste.[Do not add water.If required sprinkle some water].To this batter add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds,salt and some chopped coriander leaves.

 Make small balls and place them on a greased steamer plate.Steam for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile make a paste of  1/4 cup coconut,1 teaspoon saunf,4 cloves garlic,1″ piece ginger,a small cinnamon stick.You can add some water to make the paste.Keep aside

The steamed dumplings are ready…

Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a pan and put in 1 teaspoon mustard,1 teaspoon cumin seeds.When it splutters add 1 chopped onion and saute till translucent.Add 1 chopped tomato and cook till soft…

Put in the ground masala paste

 Mix well and add 2 teaspoons coriander powder,2 teaspoons chilli powder,salt and a pinch of turmeric powder.

Mix well and add 3 cups of water.The gravy has to be very watery as the lentil balls will absorb a lot of the liquid.[In case u have leftover gravy and lentil balls ,for the next meal you will find only the lentil balls and no gravy!!!]

Simmer till it reduces a little and drop the steamed lentil balls one by one into the gravy..

Simmer for 10 minutes for the steamed lentil balls to absorb the flavors.Mix gently one or twice in between.

Remove from heat and serve garnished with coriander leaves. 

We had it with steamed rice and pappad.A perfect meal!!!

2009 – Deepavali.I walked down the memory lane recollecting the Deepavali festivals of my childhoods and some snaps of Deepavali 2009 along with some scrumptious sweets and snacks that mom had prepared…

Bon Appetit…