Snakegourd kootu/ Pudalangai kootu

Snake gourd kootu is a authentic side dish in South Indian cuisine. It is made with moong lentils. Any puli kulambu or Kara kulambu (Wil post these recipes soon) with this snake gourd kootu is a perfect combo. It can be had simply with rice and ghee.

Ingredients :

Snake gourd / pudalangai – 250gms

Split moong dhal – 2 tbsp

Onion – 1

Green chilli – 2nos

Coconut grated – 2 tbsp

Cumin seeds – 1 tbsp

Mustard seeds – 1tsp

Uradh dhal – 1 tsp

Curry leaves – 1 sprig

Oil – 1 tbsp

Salt – to taste

Water – 1/2 cup

Method:

1. Grind the grated coconut, cumin seeds and green chilli to a paste and keep aside
2. In a cooker, heat oil and add the mustard seeds and uradh dhal together and wait till it splutters.
3. Now add the curry leaves and onion and fry for a minute
4. Add the chopped snake gourd / pudalangai and split moong dhal and mix well. Add salt to taste.
5. Now close the cooker and allow to cook for 2 whistles in a high flame. Now the snake gourd will be cooked soft.
6. Add the ground coconut +cumin seeds+greenchilli paste to the snake gourd.
7. Add a tsp of turmeric powder at this stage.
8. Allow this mixture to boil for a minute and switch off the flame.
9. Now Snakegourd kootu is ready to be served with rice.