To begin making the Appalam Vatha Kuzhambu recipe, prepare all the ingredients and keep them ready.

Heat oil in a preheated pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, curry leaves and dried red chilies. Allow it to crackle.

Add the onions and saute until the onions have softened and lightly golden. 

Once the onions have softened, add the tamarind water, turmeric powder, sambar powder, jaggery and appalam.

Add 3 cups of water, salt to taste and simmer the appalam vatha kuzhambu, until the kuzhambu has thickened and the appalam has soaked and cooked through as well. 

The Appalam Vatha Kuzhambu will have a gravy like consistency with the starch from the appalam giving it this texture. Adjust the consistency of the kuzhambu by adding water and also check the salt and spices and adjust to taste accordingly

Serve the Appalam Vatha Kuzhambu along with hot Steamed Rice, Bean Paruppu Usili and Elai Vadam for simple and delicious weekend lunch.