Poondu Kuzhambu / Garlic Gravy

Poondu Kuzhambu / Garlic Gravy is one of the tastiest curry in tamil nadu, more spicy.

Ingredients:

Garlic pods (peeled) - 12 to 15.
Oil - 2 tbsp.
Mustard seeds - 1/2 tbsp.
Turmeric powder - 1/2 tbsp.
Hing - a pinch.
Curry leaves -5 to 6.
Tamarind - use one small lemon size. (Soak in water. Squeeze and extract the pulp)
Water - 2 cups.
Salt - as required. 

To Grind:

Ginger - 2 inch piece.
Cumin seeds - 1 tbsp.
Coriander seeds - 1 tbsp or use Coriander powder - 1 tbsp.
Dry chillies - 5.
Poppy seeds - 1 tbsp.
Pepper - 1/2 tbsp.
Fenugreek seeds - 1/2 tbsp.

Method:

1. Heat oil in a pan and fry the ingredients under "To Grind" items one by one. (Take extra care while frying fenugreek. If they are burnt, it spoils the dish. You can avoid fenugreek, if you are not confident.)
2. Grind the fried spices to a fine paste.
3. Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a kadai and add the mustard seeds and urad dal.
4. Add curry leaves, garlic and onion. Fry till the onion turns transparent.
5. Add tomato, salt and turmeric powder and fry till all juice comes out.
6. Add the grind paste, saute a little and pour water.
7. When the raw smell leaves, add the tamarind extract and let it cook on low heat for sometime.
8. Turn off the heat when oil starts floating on the top.

Now your poondu kuzhambu is ready. :-)