Kootu Curry

Kootu Curry always give a sadya feeling. It is usually served in a traditional Kerala feast (sadya). I’m sure kootu curry will be one of the dish pops up regularly. Koottu curry is a combination of vegetables and chick peas, and is usually a semi-dry preparation. 

Kootu means mingling or a combination, a mixture of chickpea/ chana dal and combination of vegetables like raw plantain/Kaya, elephant yam/Chena with Ground Coconut and Spices.

 

Ingredients

1 Cup – Black Chickpea (kadala)

2 Raw Banana OR 1 – Raw Plantain, (1 inch long pieces)

2 cup – Yam, cubed

2 Cloves – Garlic

Soak chickpeas overnight. Cook in a pressure cooker on medium heat for 5 whistles, lower the heat and cook for another 10 minutes.

Cook raw Banana/Plantain and Yam along with crushed Garlic and enough water. Season with salt.
Mix the Banana mixture with the Chickpeas.

Grind

3/4 Cup – Grated coconut

3 – Shallots

1 sprig – Curry Leaves

1/2 Tsp – Red chilli powder

1/2 Tsp – Turmeric powder

1 Cm – Ginger

1/2 Tsp – Cumin seeds

1 Tsp – Pepper Powder

Grind altogether with some water, mix the ground paste with the cooked vegetables and cooked Chickpeas. Then,

Tempering

3/4 Tsp – Mustard seeds

3 – Dried Red chilly

2 sprig – Curry Leaves

2- Shallots, sliced thin

1/4 Cup – Grated coconut (optional)

              Splutter Mustard in some oil, saute shallots until light brown, coconut shredded till light brown then dry chilli, curry leaves, saute well and pour over the cooked curry.

 

 

Some people make it semi-gravy and or even almost dry. Adjust water according to your preference.