Pudalangai Kootu

Pudalangai Kootu is a traditional South Indian dish that combines ridge gourd with lentils and spices to create a nutritious and flavorful stew. It is mildly spiced and perfect as a comforting accompaniment to rice.

Steps

1. Rinse the toor dal thoroughly and cook it with turmeric powder and 1 cup water until soft. 2. Peel and chop the ridge gourd into small pieces. 3. In a pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, dried red chili, and curry leaves. Allow them to splutter. 4. Add grated ginger and green chili, sauté for a minute. 5. Add chopped ridge gourd and sauté for 2 minutes. 6. Add the cooked dal along with water and salt. Mix well. 7. Cover and cook on medium heat for 10 minutes or until the ridge gourd is tender. 8. Grind grated coconut with a little water to make a smooth paste. 9. Add the coconut paste to the kootu, mix well and simmer for another 2 minutes. 10. Serve hot with steamed rice.

1 small ridge gourd (pudalangai), peeled and chopped 1/4 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas) 1/2 tsp mustard seeds 1/2 tsp cumin seeds 1 dried red chili 1/4 tsp turmeric powder 1/2 tsp grated ginger 1 green chili, slit A few curry leaves 1 tbsp grated coconut Salt to taste 1 tsp oil 1 cup water