Tamil Nadu kootu combining broad beans with chana dal and a freshly ground coconut-cumin paste.

Ingredients

Method

  1. Prepare broad beans: Wash 200g avarakkai (broad beans). String and cut into 1-inch pieces.
  2. Cook toor dal: Pressure cook half cup toor dal with 1.5 cups water for 4 whistles. Mash completely.
  3. Make coconut paste: Blend half cup fresh grated coconut, 1 tsp cumin and 2 green chillies to a smooth paste.
  4. Make tempering: Heat 2 tbsp oil. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds — when they pop add 1 tsp urad dal and fry golden.
  5. Add aromatics: Add 1 dried red chilli, 1 sprig curry leaves and a pinch of asafoetida.
  6. Add broad beans: Add beans, half tsp turmeric and salt. Cover and cook on low heat 10-12 minutes until tender.
  7. Add mashed dal: Add mashed dal. Mix gently.
  8. Add coconut paste: Add coconut paste. Stir and cook 5 minutes.
  9. Adjust consistency: Add water if too thick.
  10. Serve: Adjust salt. Broad beans kootu is hearty and protein-rich. Serve with steamed rice.