Kootu

Method

1. 1

   About Kootu: Kootu is a Tamil Nadu dry curry where vegetables and lentils are cooked together with fresh ground coconut and spices. The word kootu means to add or combine in Tamil. It is nutritious, flavourful and completely different in texture from regular liquid curries. This version uses raw banana or yam.

2. 2

   Cook the lentils: Take half cup chana dal (split yellow chickpeas). Wash and pressure cook with 1 cup water and salt for 3-4 whistles until cooked but still holding their shape — they should be soft but not completely mushy. Drain and keep aside.

3. 3

   Prepare the vegetable: Peel 400g raw banana (plantain), yam or raw jackfruit. Cut into medium cubes about 2-3cm. If using raw banana rub with turmeric immediately after cutting to prevent browning.

4. 4

   Cook the vegetable: In a pot add the vegetable cubes with half cup water, half tsp turmeric, a pinch of red chilli powder and salt. Cover and cook on medium heat for 10-12 minutes until the vegetable is soft but not falling apart. Drain excess water if any.

5. 5

   Make the coconut masala: Blend 1 cup fresh grated coconut, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 3-4 dried red chillies and 2 garlic cloves to a coarse paste with minimal water. This paste should not be smooth — slightly coarse texture is traditional for kootu.

6. 6

   Combine everything: Add the cooked chana dal to the pot with the cooked vegetable. Mix gently. Add the coconut masala and stir to combine. Add salt as needed.

7. 7

   Cook together: Cook on medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring regularly, until the coconut masala is cooked through and the mixture becomes dry and well combined. Kootu should have very little moisture — it is a dry side dish, not a curry.

8. 8

   Make the tempering: Heat 2 tbsp coconut oil in a small pan. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds and let pop. Add 1 tsp urad dal and fry until golden. Add 2 dried red chillies and 1 sprig curry leaves.

9. 9

   Add tempering: Pour the tempering over the kootu and mix in. Stir on low heat for 2 minutes.

10. 10

    Serve: Kootu is served as part of a South Indian meal alongside rice, sambar and rasam. It provides the vegetable and protein component. Kootu keeps well for a day and is also a good lunchbox dish.