ONAM SPECIAL 2012
KOOTTUCURRY
I have always been interested in food related topics that cropped up during conversations among family members and friends. After I became a food blogger my interest in traditional recipes intensified double fold. I picked up some Kerala recipes from my Sambandhi (son - in - law's mother) during a casual chat, when she rattled off about her childhood in Kerala and about the festivities and the delicacies of God's Own Country. Here is a simple yet delicious recipe of Koottucurry which is one of the numerous curries traditionally prepared for the Onam Sadya during the festival of bounty called 'Thiruvonam'.
INGREDIENTS
Split Bengal gram dal - 1 cup
Turmeric powder - 1 pinch
Chayote/ Chow Chow vegetable - 2
Carrots - 2
Fresh coconut gratings - 1 cup
Rice flour - 1tsp
Green chillies - 4
Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
Salt - 1 tsp
Curry leaves - a few
Coconut oil - 1 tbsp
Mustard seeds - 1/4 tsp
Split Black gram dal - 1/2 tsp
Red chillies - 2 ( broken )
METHOD
2. Wash and drain the Bengal gram dal and add 1 1/2 cups of water and turmeric powder.
3. Top the dal with the cubed vegetables and pressure cook up to three whistles.
4. In the mean while grind the fresh coconut gratings, green chillies, cumin seeds and rice flour together into a smooth paste.
5. When the pressure subsides remove the cooked dal and vegetables from the cooker.
6. Add the ground coconut paste, salt and curry leaves, and cook till all the ingredients blend well. Take care not to mash the dal too much.
7. Heat the coconut oil and add mustard seeds.
8. When the mustard seeds splutter, reduce flame and add the black gram dal and fry till it turns golden in colour.
9. Add the broken red chillies and fry till the chillies become crisp.
10. Pour the seasoning over the Koottucurry.
Enjoy the delicious Koottucurry with the sumptuous ONAM SADYA.
