• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Yummy Tummy
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • About Me
  • Masterchef Journey
  • Media
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • About Me
  • Masterchef Journey
  • Media
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipe Index
    • About Me
    • Masterchef Journey
    • Media
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home

    Kara Kulambu (Kara Kuzhambu Recipe)

    Last Updated On: Apr 8, 2025 by Aarthi

    43
    Shares

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    Kara Kuzhambu also known as kara kulambu is a popular South Indian gravy dish made with onions, tomatoes, brinjal, drumstick and thickened with a coconut masala. This is one of the family favorite kulambu recipes that we make for lunch to go with rice. You can customize this kara kuzhambu recipe as per your taste. Learn how to make kara kuzhambu with step by step pictures and video.

    kara kuzhambu served with raw banana thoran

    Kara Kulambu

    Rice and kulambu is staple lunch in any South Indian home. We make it daily at home, I love to try different types of gravies so we won't get bored having the same thing again and again. Yesterday I made this kara kulambu recipe and served it with raw banana podimas, I added drumstick and brinjal in this. But you could add any veggies as you like. Everyone loved it so here you go with the recipe.

    Table of Contents

    • About Kara Kulambu (Kuzhambu)
    • Watch Kara Kuzhambu Video
    • Kara Kulambu Ingredients
    • Variations
    • How to Make Kara kulambu (stepwise pictures)
    • Expert Tips
    • 📖 Recipe Card
    • Kara Kuzhambu Recipe | Kara Kulambu Recipe

    About Kara Kulambu (Kuzhambu)

    Kara kuzhambu is a popular South Indian gravy dish usually served with steamed rice. It is one of the most staple dish in and around South Indian including chennai, madurai, karaikudi and many other.

    Kara kuzhambu is also known as kulambu or kolambu. It a gravy made with onions or shallots, tomatoes as base and some kind of vegetables added. Brinjal, drumstick, raw mango, ladies finger, pumpkin, yam are some of the vegetables used in this recipe. For best tasting kara kuzhambu use homemade sambar powder which is my secret to get the perfect taste.

    The characters of this gravy is sour, spicy, creamy with little bit of sweetness which makes this an awesome kulambu. The tangy taste comes from the tamarind added and the gravy is thickened with coconut paste. Make sure you check my 100+ kuzhambu recipe for rice.

    Kara kuzhambu can be made in different ways, I have quite a few collection in this blog like Kathirikai kara kuzhambu, vendakkai kara kuzhambu and mochai kara kuzhambu.

    For Non vegetarians, check my fish kara kuzhambu.

    Watch Kara Kuzhambu Video

    This video has this step by step picture of the cooking process curated together in video format. I have made slightly different version of making kara kuzhambu in my recipe video, check this kara kuzhambu 2.0

    YouTube video

    Kara Kulambu Ingredients

    ingredients for making kara kulambu

    Onion & Tomatoes - I used onions in this recipe, but for better flavour and taste you can use peeled shallots or sambar onion. You can leave them whole which adds a sweet flavour.

    Vegetables - drumstick, raw mango, ladies finger, pumpkin, yam are some of the vegetables used in this recipe.

    Tempering - whole spices mustard, urad dal, cumin, fenugreek, curry leaves, asafoetida, dry red chillies and curry leaves are used for tempering which provides the aroma.

    Sambar powder - I used turmeric and sambar powder in this recipe, If you don't have sambar powder, you can use a combination of coriander, chilli and cumin powder.

    Coconut Masala - coconut is ground with onion and added in the gravy. You can add some black pepper and curry leaves into the coconut when grinding.

    close shot of kara kuzhambu

    Variations

    Brinjal Kara Kulambu - This is our favorite version so far. It is thick and spicy taste amazing with a plate of steamed rice.

    Vendaikkai Kara kuzhambu - one of the best way to make ladies finger. This gravy is my family favorite recipe and I make it at least once a week.

    Mochai Kara Kuzhambu - this dish is high in protein because of the beans added.

    Tomato Kuzhambu - one of the simple recipe to try with tomatoes and it is delicious.

    kara kulambu with hot rice

    How to Make Kara kulambu (stepwise pictures)

    Coconut Paste

    1) First lets grind the masala we use for the kuzhambu. It is very basic masala of coconut and onion. You can use black pepper, cumin seeds or very little fennel seeds as well.

    Take fresh coconut in a blender. Add in one small peeled and chopped onions. Instead of onions you can use peeled shallots.

    coconut and onion in blender for making kara kulambu

    2)Use little water and grind these two to a smooth puree. set aside till use.

    grind them into paste for making kara kulambu

    Tempering Spices

    3)Heat coconut oil in a pot. You can use a deep pot like a casserole, or use a kadai. Once the oil is medium hot, add in the whole spices. Make sure the oil is not super hot, else the spices may burn.

    I used a combination of mustard, fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds, dry red chillies, asafoetida and curry leaves.

    temper spices in oil for making kara kulambu

    4)Let the spices sizzle in the oil for a minute so the flavours can release into the oil.

    spices sizzling in oil

    Making Kara Kuzhambu

    5)Now add in roughly chopped onions. You can use peeled shallots that are left whole in this.

    add onions

    6)Add in chopped tomatoes. Even though this is optional, it adds a wonderful aroma.

    add tomatoes to onions

    7)Add in spice powders. I used turmeric powder and sambar powder.

    Pro Tips: Add in a combination of 1 tbsp chilli powder, 3 tbsp coriander powder, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp turmeric powder, if you don't have sambar powder.

    add sambar powder and turmeric

    8)Add in salt and jaggery. Even though jaggery is optional, I think it balance the taste of the whole kuzhambu. So I strongly recommend you to add some.

    add salt and jaggery for making kara kulambu

    9)Mix the whole spices really well for at least 2 minutes.

    mix well the spices

    10)Pour in the tamarind juice which we extracted earlier.

    pour tamarind juice for making kara kuzhambu

    11)Once tamarind is added, You can add more water to adjust the consistency of the kulambu.

    Mix it really well and bring it to a boil. once it reaches a full boil, you have to boil for at least 4 to 5 minutes for the raw smell of the tamarind to disappear.

    bring to a boil

    Adding Vegetables

    12)Now add in your vegetables of choice. I am using drumstick and brinjal.

    Pro Tip: drumstick, raw mango, ladies finger, pumpkin, yam are some of the vegetables used in this recipe.

    add drumstick and brinjal

    13)Now cover the pot with a lid and cook on medium low heat for 5 minutes till vegetables are cooked.

    cook vegetables for making kara kuzhambu

    14)Now you can see the vegetables are almost cooked.

    vegetables are cooked

    Adding Coconut Paste

    15)Now lower the flame and add in the coconut masala. Once coconut masala is added, you have to cook this on very low heat else the coconut may split.

    add coconut paste to kara kuzhambu

    16)Once coconut is added, mix well. Taste and adjust salt, tamarind and jaggery at this point.

    cook few minutes

    17)Mix this really well and cook on low heat for 5 more minutes. I like to cover with a lid and cook on low heat.

    cover and simmer the kulambu

    18)Kara kuzhambu is ready to serve. Enjoy hot with steamed rice.

    kara kuzhambu ready in a casserole

    19)Enjoy.

    kara kuzhambu served in a kadai

    Expert Tips

    • You can use shallots instead of onions in this recipe. Shallots is traditionally added and imparts a sweet aroma to the kulambu.
    • When grinding coconut, you can add ½ tsp of cumin seeds, black pepper, fennel seeds and curry leaves for more flavour.
    • Once you add in the coconut paste, don't boil it too much. Cook on low heat so the coconut doesn't separate.
    • You can taste and adjust the tamarind, jaggery and salt level accordingly.
    • Add in a combination of 1 tbsp chilli powder, 3 tbsp coriander powder, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp turmeric powder, if you don't have sambar powder.
    • drumstick, raw mango, ladies finger, pumpkin, yam are some of the vegetables used in this recipe.

    Serving

    Kara kuzhambu is best served with hot rice. But we have enjoyed it with idli and dosa as well. You can serve this kuzhambu with poriyal and thoran for a satisfying lunch.

    Storage

    Kara kuzhambu can be made a day in advance and stored in fridge. Reheat next day on stove top or in microwave on low heat for few minutes and serve.

    Leftover kuzhambu can be stored in fridge and should be used within 3 days.

    More Kuzhambu | Kulambu Recipes to Try

    • Crab Curry Recipe
    • Pumpkin Theeyal Recipe
    • Village Syle Fish Curry Recipe
    • Udupi Sambar Recipe
    • Instant Rasam Recipe
    • Nadan Mambazha Kuzhambu Recipe

    📖 Recipe Card

    Kara Kuzhambu Recipe | Kara Kulambu Recipe

    Kara Kuzhambu also known as kara kulambu is a popular South Indian gravy dish made with onions, tomatoes, brinjal, drumstick and thickened with a coconut masala. This is one of the family favorite kulambu recipes that we make for lunch to go with rice. You can customize this kara kuzhambu recipe as per your taste. Learn how to make kara kuzhambu with step by step pictures and video.
    4.50 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 152kcal

    Equipment

    • Blender
    • Cooking pot

    Ingredients

    • 2 no Brinjal medium size chopped
    • 1 no Drumsticks cut into long pieces & Slit
    • 1 large Onion chopped
    • 1 large Tomato chopped
    • 3 tbsp Sambar Powder
    • 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
    • Salt to taste
    • 1 tsp Jaggery or to taste
    • 3 tbsp Tamarind Pulp

    For Grinding

    • 1 cup Fresh Coconut grated
    • 1 no Onion chopped

    For Tempering

    • 3 tbsp Coconut Oil
    • 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
    • 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
    • ½ tsp Fenugreek Seeds
    • 1 tsp Split Urad dal
    • 2 no Dry Red Chilli broken into small pieces
    • ¼ tsp Asafoetida
    • 1 sprig Curry leaves

    Instructions

    • Soak Tamarind in water for 10 mins. Squeeze it with your hands and strain the juice, set aside till needed. Take Coconut and Onion in a blender and make into a fine puree. Set aside till use.
    • Heat oil in a kadai or pot. Add all the seasoning ingredients and saute for few seconds. Now add in onions and saute for a couple of minutes. Add tomatoes in and mix well for couple of mins. Now add in the turmeric and sambar powder and mix well.
    • Pour the tamarind juice in and mix well. Add more water as needed and bring it to a boil. Now add in the brinjal and drumstick and cover it with a lid. Let it cook for 10 mins.
    • Now add in the coconut masala and mix well. Cover again and cook for 10-15 mins. Once it is cooked, serve with rice.

    Video

    YouTube video

    Notes

    • You can use shallots instead of onions in this recipe. Shallots is traditionally added and imparts a sweet aroma to the kulambu.
    • When grinding coconut, you can add ½ tsp of cumin seeds, black pepper, fennel seeds and curry leaves for more flavour.
    • Once you add in the coconut paste, don't boil it too much. Cook on low heat so the coconut doesn't separate.
    • You can taste and adjust the tamarind, jaggery and salt level accordingly.
    • Add in a combination of 1 tbsp chilli powder, 3 tbsp coriander powder, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp turmeric powder, if you don't have sambar powder.
    • drumstick, raw mango, ladies finger, pumpkin, yam are some of the vegetables used in this recipe.

    Storage

    Kara kuzhambu can be made a day in advance and stored in fridge. Reheat next day on stove top or in microwave on low heat for few minutes and serve.
    Leftover kuzhambu can be stored in fridge and should be used within 3 days.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1servings | Calories: 152kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 0.2mg | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 229mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 276IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @yummytummyaarthi or tag #yummytummyaarthi!
    Join us on FacebookFollow us on Facebook
    Share by Email Share on Facebook

    If you have any questions not covered in this post and if you need help, leave me a comment or mail me @[email protected] and I’ll help as soon as I can.

    Follow me on Instagram, Facebook,Pinterest ,Youtube and Twitter for more Yummy Tummy inspiration.

    IF YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE OR ANYTHING FROM YUMMY TUMMY, MAKE SURE TO POST IT AND TAG ME SO I CAN SEE ALL OF YOUR CREATIONS!! #YUMMYTUMMYAARTHI AND @YUMMYTUMMYAARTHI ON INSTAGRAM!

    More South Indian Recipes to try

    • Tapioca Kootu Recipe
    • Boiled Egg Roast Recipe
    • Beetroot Poriyal Recipe
    • Mutton Thoran Recipe
    • Desi Vegetable Pasta Recipe
    • Vallarai Keerai Sambar Recipe

    43
    Shares
    « Bottle Gourd Dal Recipe
    Easy Saffron Rice Recipe »
    Aarthi

    About Aarthi

    Over the past few years I’ve been on a mission to find and create recipes that I can make from scratch. I hope you enjoy the recipes on this blog as they are tried and true from my kitchen to yours!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. WeR SAHM

      at

      so delicious lov to hav with rice...

      Reply
    2. Arthy Suman

      at

      Would love to eat this with some piping hot white rice...heaven...

      Reply
    3. Nandini

      at

      It looks spicy and flavourful! Very aromatic as well.

      Reply
    4. kausers kitchen

      at

      Yummy...gravy looks delicious dear...nice clicks.
      Have a lovely weekend 🙂

      Reply
    5. Priya

      at

      Slurp,mouthwatering here.. Droolworthy kuzhambu.

      Reply
    6. Nargis

      at

      Im Drooling 1st time over something 😛 Would Try Out 🙂

      Reply
    7. morri

      at

      I made it today! It wasn't really very spicy - after all, it only had two chilies and some sambal. And it's a pity that I didn't have fresh coconut at hand, so it wasn't as creamy as yours. But we still liked it. I have to try more of your brinjal kulambu recipes.

      Reply
    8. Deepa's Kitchen

      at

      i tried out this recipe with thatta payaru(red oriental beans), it turned out to be so good.. thanks for the recipe dear...

      Reply
    9. Sudha

      at

      Came out very well.. Thanks for the receipe..

      Reply
    10. Anonymous

      at

      Hi Aarthi, I love all your dishes, today I tried this recipe and it turned out to be supper hit. My hubby loved it, I made this along with chettinad potato. Thanku for posting these kind of lovely dishes.

      Reply
    11. Janani Selvaraju

      at

      Thank you so much aarthi....I tried this recipe for lunch....and it turned so well....and I love all your recipes as well....

      Reply
    12. Anonymous

      at

      Thank u aarthi ....i try tis came out welll.......i learn to cook bcoz of u..once again I thank u so much....

      Reply
    13. Anonymous

      at

      Hi I have tamarind concentrate it says one teaspoon is equal for 12 person. Tamicon and how much water I must use ?

      Reply
    14. Aarthi

      at

      @Anonymousadd 1 tsp, taste it and use accordingly.

      Reply
    15. cool Bans

      at

      Can skip jaggery ?

      Reply
    16. Aarthi

      at

      @cool Bansu can use little sugar instead of jaggery

      Reply
    17. Anonymous

      at

      tastes good with vendakai thooran

      Reply
    4.50 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    MEET THE AUTHOR

    Hi, I'm Aarthi!

    WELCOME. Over the past few years, I’ve been on a mission to find and create recipes that I can make from scratch. I hope you enjoy the recipes on this blog as they are tried and true from my kitchen to yours!

    More about me →

    STAY CONNECTED

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Useful Links

    • Dosa
    • Idli
    • Rice Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner

    Recent Posts

    • Thinai Idly Recipe
    • Soya Sandwich Recipe
    • Grape Juice Recipe
    • Singapore Veg Fried Rice Recipe

    As seen in

    BUY MY COOKBOOK

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Privacy

    • Privacy Policy
    • Advertisers
    • Contact
    • Recipe Index

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Stay Connected

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • YouTube

    Copyright © 2021 Yummy Tummy | Technical Partner </> Host My Blog

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.