Koottu Curry

Koottu curry is a prominent dish in the traditional Kerala Feast or 'Sadya'. It is a combination of some vegetables, chick peas and roasted coconut. Here goes the recipe.

Ingredients

• Raw plantain – 2, cubed
• Yam – 1/2 cup cubed
• Black chickpeas cooked – 1/2 cup
• Chilly powder – 1 tsp
• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
• Jaggery – 3 – 4 tbsp
• Coconut - 1/2 cup
• Cumin Seeds - 1/2 tsp
• Pepper corns - 1tsp

For seasoning

• Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp
• Dry red chillies – 2 – 3
• Curry leaves – 1 sprig
• Grated coconut – 1/4  cup
• Coconut oil – 2 tsp

Preparation

1. Soak the kadala / black chana in enough water for at least 4-8 hrs. Pressure cook it in enough water adding salt until it is fully done.

2. Add the raw plantain, elephant yam, chilly powder, turmeric powder, salt and enough water in a pan and cook till they are done. Add 3 – 4 tbsp jaggery and mix well.

3. Coarsely grind the grated coconut, cumin seeds and pepper corns in a mixer. Add this ground mixture to the cooked vegetables and mix well. Check for salt.

4.Cook until the raw taste of coconut is gone. Add the cooked chickpeas to the above mixture. Mix well. Cook for 3 – 4 minutes. Switch off.

5.In another pan add oil, pop mustard seeds, fry dry red chillies, curry leaves, grated coconut. Roast the grated coconut  till it is reddish-brown in color. Add the roasted coconut mixture to the curry and mix well.