Chettinad Karuvadu Kuzhambu

Dried fish tamarind curry — small sun-dried fish (karuvadu, typically nethili/anchovies or vazhakkai karuvaadu) rehydrated and cooked in a sharp tamarind kuzhambu with shallots, dried red chillies, and fenugreek. The drying concentrates the fish's umami into something intensely savoury and pungent — a heritage Chettinad preservation preparation that uses no fresh fish.