Omakkuzhambhu

Omum has more medicinal value. It is a digestive aid and an antiseptic. It helps for good digestion.

Omum consist of moisture, protein, fat, minerals, fiber, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin. The Oil  in the seed, is strongly antiseptic, antispasmodic, digestive, diuretic and expectorant.

It helps to cure even Ulcers, Pimples, Kidney stones, Toothache and Earache. It is used internally for the treatment of Colds, Coughs and Asthma.

So, it is good to intake omum on daily basis or atleast once in a week.

Ingredients:

1. Omum - 2 tsp
2. Oil - 2 tbsp
3. Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
4. Tamarind - gooseberry size
5. Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
6. Urad dal  - 1/2 tsp
7. Channa dal - 1/2 tsp
8. Fenugreek seeds - 1/2 tsp
9. Curry leaves - few
10. Salt - as required
11. Asafoetida - a pinch
12. Jaggery - 1 tsp

To Grind For Sambar Powder :

1. Coriander seeds - 3 tbsp
2. Channa dal - 2 tbsp
3. Urad dal - 1 tbsp
4. Black pepper - 1 tbsp
5. Cumin Seeds - 1/2 tbsp
6. Fenugreek Seeds - 1/4 tsp
7. Red chilli - 1 or 2

Method :

1. Soak Tamarind in hot water and make it to pulp. Keep aside.
2. Add little oil in a pan and fry the ingredients for Sambar Powder till golden brown. Cool and grind it to  a fine powder.
3. Heat oil in a pan on low flame and add Mustard seeds, Urad dal, Channa dal, Fenugreek seeds, Curry leaves, Asafoetida , fry till golden brown. Add Omum and fry for a minute. Be careful, otherwise the ingredients will get burnt.
4. Add Tamarind pulp which we have prepared earlier. 
5. Add Turmeric powder and salt. Let it boil for 5 min. Add 2 cups of  water and make it to boil again.
6. Now add Sambar powder which we have prepared and stir it thoroughly and make it to boil for another 15 minutes in medium heat.
7. Add Jaggery and cook until the oil starts to leave the side of the pan. The consistency should be semi-solid. ( If Kuzhambhu is too runny, you can mix 1 tbsp of rice flour with water and make it to a paste and stir it in Kuzhambhu ).
8. This can be served with Rice. While serving add 1 or 2 tsp of sesame oil to enhance taste.