Muringakkaya Thakkali Pulinkari / Muringakkai Thakkali puli kuzhambu/ Drumstick and tomato curry

What is your idea of a good meal? Without even thinking I can say it is a nice home cooked flavorful one, need not be anything fancy. When Priya from Droolsss posted this recipe I was feeling out of control with nostalgia and longing to have this curry. The color and look of the pulinkari reminded me of something I have had often during my childhood. Is it not wonderful that people I have not met in real life have the power to evoke that feeling in me. Would be really nice if I got a chance to have food made by her but alas living in two countries does not help that thought, making it myself was the only way out.

I paired it with my favorite koorka mezhukupuratti, pineapple pachadi and pappadam. Thats my idea of a perfect meal mixed with some gruhathurathwam unarthuna ormakal... (nostalgic memories)

PRINTABLE RECIPE
Ingredients:
Drumstick - 1 or 2
Tomatoes - 2
Shallots -15 sliced
Tamarind - a small gooseberry size soaked in 1/2 cup warm water
Salt to taste

To dry roast and grind:
Grated coconut - 3tbsp
Shallots -2
Fenugreek / uluva seeds - 1/4 tsp
Chili powder - 1 tsp
Whole coriander seeds - 2 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp

For tempering:
Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
Urad dal -1/4 tsp
Fenugreek seeds - 1/4 tsp
Curry leaves - few
Coconut oil - 3 tbsp

Method:
In a skillet dry roast 2 shallots ,fenugreek seeds ,coriander seeds and coconut until coconut turns brown. When u switch off flame add chili powder and turmeric powder saute it and when this cools down grind to paste.
Heat oil and saute the shallots until it turns brown.then add the drumstick and tomato slices and continue sauteing for another 2-3 minutes.Add ground masala and continue to saute until the raw smell goes.
Add the tamarind extract salt and 1 cup more of water allow it to come to a boil then reduce flame and cover and cook until the gravy  has reached required consistency also the drum stick is cooked.
Heat a tbsp of oil and add the mustard when it crackles add the rest of the ingredients in tempering when urad dal changes color  pour over curry.

Serve muringaka thakkali  pulinkari warm along with mezukupuratti and other curries..

Served here:Muringakka thakkali pulinkari, pineapple pachadi , Koorka mezhukupuratti, Pappadam

Hope you will like it.
Meena