Koottu curry

Koottu curry is a very special dish in kerala. It is a unavoidable part of sadhya. Main ingredients are Kadala (Chickpeas), Chena (yam) , pachakay(Raw plantain ).

Ingredients

1. Kadala(Chickpeas) - 1 cup [Soak kadala in water for 6 hrs]
2. Chena (yam) sliced - 1 cup
3. pachakay (raw plantain) sliced - 1 cup
4. sliced coconut - 1/2 cup
5. small ulli (Shallots) - 5 nos
6. cumin seeds- 1 tsp
7. grated coconut- 1 cup
8. curry leaves
9. Red chilly- 3
10. Coriander powder- 2 tsp
11. chilly powder- 1 tsp
12. turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
13. salt
14. oil

Method of preperation

Heat oil in a pan add grated coconut, shallots (ulli), curry leaves, 1 red chilly and fry it. Once it turns slight brownish add 2 tsp coriander powder. Fry it well till it becomes brown. Keep it aside. When it becomes cold grind it . Dont add more water while grinding. Sprinkle just enough water to make it wet.

In a pressure cooker cook kadala(chickpeas) . It may need 4 whistles to cook it. Open the pressure cooker add chena (yam) , Pachakay (raw plantain), chilly powder, Turmeric powder and water. Cook it. Switch off after 1 whistle. Open the pressure cooker once it becomes cold. Add salt to taste. Add grinded coconut. Boil the dish till it dry.

Take a pan and heat oil in it. Add mustard seeds. When it pop ups add sliced coconut, curry leaves and red chilly. fry it and pour it into the Koottu curry.

Remember....The very important ingredient which make your curry tasty is 'Your affection'. So prepare your food with a smiling heart. :)

All the best

Winnie Manjunath