Kootu - கூட்டு

Ingredients:

• Bengal Gram 1 cup
• Onion 2
• Chow Chow 1
• Green Chilli 3
• Turmeric 1/2 tsp
• Salt
• Red chilli powder 1tsp
• Coconut shreded 1/2 cup

Seasoning

• Mustard 1 tsp
• Cumin 1tsp
• Curry Leaves 4

Method:

• Pressure cook bengal bram and keep aside.
• Dice the chow chow and slit the green chilles into two.
• Grind coconut with 1/2 tsp jeera.Make a thick fine paste.
• Heat the kadai with 1tbl of oil and add the seasoning.
• Add the chopped onion and fry till brown.
• Add the green chillies and fry till raw smell goes.
• Add the diced chow chow and add salt, turmeric and red chillies powder.
• Add the pressure cooked gram with one cup of water.
• Boil till the vegetable soften and add the ground paste.
• Boil till good smell comes.
• Garnish with fried red chillies.

Variation: Vegetables like Ridge gourd (Peerkangai), Snake gourd(Podalangai) can also be used.