Kootu Curry is a traditional South Indian dish that combines various vegetables and legumes in a flavorful coconut and spice-based gravy. It’s a nutritious and hearty dish often served with rice or Indian bread. Here’s the recipe:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as pumpkin, plantain, yam, carrots), chopped
- 1/2 cup black-eyed peas or chickpeas, soaked and cooked
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
- 1 green chili
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- A few curry leaves
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare Vegetables: Wash, peel, and chop the mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces. If using yam, soak it in water to reduce its itchiness.
- Cook Legumes: Soak black-eyed peas or chickpeas for a few hours or overnight. Pressure cook them until they are tender. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Coconut Paste: In a blender, grind grated coconut, green chili, and cumin seeds to a fine paste. Add a little water if needed.
- Cook Vegetables: In a pan, heat coconut oil over medium heat. Add chopped vegetables and sauté for a few minutes.
- Add Spices: Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to the vegetables. Mix well.
- Add Legumes: Add the cooked black-eyed peas or chickpeas to the pan and mix with the vegetables.
- Add Coconut Paste: Pour the prepared coconut paste into the pan and mix well with the vegetables and legumes.
- Simmer: Add a little water to achieve the desired consistency. Allow the mixture to simmer over low heat until the vegetables are cooked and the flavors meld together.
- Tempering: In a separate small pan, heat a little coconut oil. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add asafoetida and curry leaves. Sauté for a minute.
- Add Tempering: Pour the tempered mixture over the kootu curry and mix well.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh curry leaves and serve the Kootu Curry hot with rice or Indian bread.
Cook’s Tips:
- You can adjust the choice of vegetables based on what’s available or your preference.
- Use freshly grated coconut for the best flavor. If using frozen coconut, thaw it before using.
- The consistency of the curry can be adjusted by adding more or less water.
Enjoy: Kootu Curry is a wholesome dish that can be enjoyed as a main course with rice or as a side dish. Its blend of flavors and textures makes it a comforting and satisfying option for a South Indian meal.
