Sukku Kuzhambu:

Sukku Kuzhambu. Sukku Kara Kuzhambu. Sukku Puli Kuzhambu. Sukku Theeyal. Sukku Pulusu. Dry Ginger Curry. Dry Ginger in rich Tamarind based Curry. Dry Ginger in Spicy Curry.

Often ginger is mistaken for root but it is modified stem! The rhizome (underground stem) is used both as a spice and as a herbal medicine.

Active constituents:
The dried rhizome of ginger contains approximately 1–4% volatile oils. These are the medically active constituents of ginger and are also responsible for ginger’s characteristic odour and taste. The aromatic constituents include zingiberene and bisabolene, while the pungent constituents are known as gingerols and shogaols. The pungent constituents are credited with the anti-nausea and anti-vomiting effects of ginger!

In humans, ginger is thought to act directly on the gastrointestinal system to reduce nausea.Ginger has been shown to reduce the symptoms of motion sickness associated with travel by boat and, to a lesser extent, car! Two double-blind clinical trials have found that ginger may reduce nausea due to anesthesia following surgery….although one trial did not confirm this benefit(under lab study yet).A preliminary trial has suggested ginger may be helpful for preventing chemotherapy – induced nausea!

While ginger is a popular remedy for nausea of pregnancy, it has only been clinically studied for very severe nausea and vomiting known as hyperemesis gravidarum. This condition is life threatening and should only be treated by a qualified healthcare professional. Because ginger contains some compounds that cause chromosomal mutation in the test tube, some doctors are concerned about the safety of using ginger during pregnancy. However, the available clinical research, combined with the fact that ginger is widely used in the diet of certain cultures, suggests that prudent use of ginger for morning sickness is safe in amounts up to 1 gram per day.

Ginger is considered a tonic for the digestive tract, stimulating digestion and toning the intestinal muscles. This action eases the transport of substances through the digestive tract, lessening irritation to the intestinal walls. Ginger may protect the stomach from the damaging effect of alcohol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen) and may help prevent ulcers.
Ginger also supports cardiovascular health. Ginger may make blood platelets less sticky and less likely to aggregate(under study for thrombosis, thrombophilia….).

Ingredients:

Ginger dried 100-150 grams – broken 7 crushed
Cricket ball size tamarind or 1 spoon of thick tamarind paste
Red onion 1 large finely chopped
Garlic 1 large peeled and semi crushed
Tomato 1 large chopped
Jaggery or brown sugar 1 spoon
Salt
Turmeric powder 1/2 spoon
Chili powder 1 spoon
Rice powder 1 spoon
Sesame oil 1 cup
Mustard seeds 1 spoon
Cumin seeds 1 spoon
Fenugreek seeds 1/2 spoon
Chana dal 1/2 spoon
Urad dal 1/2 spoon
Asafoetida 1/2 spoon
Dry red chilies 3-5
Curry leaves

Method:

1. Heat few spoons of oil. Add crushed dry ginger to it. Let it get fried till golden color. Set aside.

2. In a deep pan, heat few spoons of oil. Add garlic, fry till its raw smell goes off. Further add onions, fry till they turn to golden brown color. Now add tomatoes, fry them till they loose their water content.

3. Add salt, turmeric, chili powder, jaggery and rice powder. Let it blend together.

4. Later add tamarind paste and 2 cups of water. Cover and cook over medium flame.

5. Once the gravy consolidates…add fried ginger to it. Allow it to boil and become really fragrant.

6. In a separate pan, heat oil. Add mustard, cumin, asafoetida, fenugreek, chana dal, urad dal, dry red chilies and curry leaves. Let them pop and splutter well. Run this seasoning over the gravy.

Serve this with plain steamed rice. Run a spoon full of ghee over it…..just before serving.