Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Poosanikai (Ash Gourd) Kootu / Winter Melon Stew ~ Day 69


A quick, simple yet delicious stew / kootu made with winter melon, also known as ash gourd or white pumpkin.  Gram / chana dal / yellow lentil is added for protein along with lightly spiced ground coconut.  

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preparation time: 10 minutes + 1/2 hour soaking time
Cook time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ingredients: 
  • Poosanikai / Winter melon - 4 cups, Peeled and cut into cubes
  • Kadalai Paruppu / Chana dal - 3/4 cup
  • Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
  • Asafoetida - a pinch
  • Salt - to taste

To grind:
  • Grated coconut - 1/2 cup
  • Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
  • Red or green chilies - 3 or more
  • Black peppercorns - 1/2 tsp
  • Ginger - a small piece

For tempering:
  • Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
  • Urad dal - 1 tsp
  • Curry leaves - few
  • Coconut oil - 2 tsp


Method:
  1. Wash and soak the chana dal in water for 1/2 hour.  Cook the dal until soft, on a stove top or in a pressure cooker.
  2. Grind the ingredients in the "to grind" list into a coarse paste.
  3. Place the melon in a saucepan and add to just cover the melon.
  4. Cook over medium heat until the melons are tender and translucent.  Add turmeric powder and the cooked dal.  Bring it to a boil.
  5. Add the ground paste and salt.  Stir and cook for 2 minutes over low heat.
  6. Heat oil in a small skillet, splutter mustard seeds.  Add  urad dal and fry until golden brown.  Add asafoetida and curry leaves.  Pour the tempering over kootu / stew.  Mix well
  7. Serve hot with steamed rice or quinoa.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Welcome to my kitchen. Please feel free to leave your comments and feedback. Thanks for visiting.