India > South Indian > Vegetarian

Mundu Kootu Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of toor dal
- 2 cups of mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, potatoes, pumpkin, drumstick)
- 1/2 cup of grated coconut
- 1 tsp of cumin seeds
- 1 tsp of mustard seeds
- 2-3 dried red chilies
- 1/4 tsp of turmeric powder
- 1 tsp of oil
- Salt to taste
- Water as required

Special equipment needed:
- Pressure cooker

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Wash and soak the toor dal in water for 30 minutes.
2. Cut the mixed vegetables into small pieces.
3. In a pressure cooker, add the soaked toor dal, mixed vegetables, turmeric powder, and salt.
4. Add enough water to cover the vegetables and dal.
5. Pressure cook for 3-4 whistles or until the dal and vegetables are cooked.
6. In a pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and dried red chilies.
7. Once the mustard seeds start to splutter, add grated coconut and sauté for a minute.
8. Turn off the heat and let it cool.
9. Grind the coconut mixture into a smooth paste.
10. Add the coconut paste to the cooked dal and vegetables.
11. Mix well and bring it to a boil.
12. Simmer for 5-10 minutes or until the kootu thickens.
13. Turn off the heat and serve hot with rice.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Pressure cook on medium heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 10g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Toor dal can be substituted with any lentils.
- Mixed vegetables can be substituted with any vegetables of your choice.

Variations:
- Add sambar powder or garam masala for a different flavor.
- Add tamarind pulp for a tangy taste.

Tips and tricks:
- Soak the toor dal for 30 minutes to reduce the cooking time.
- Use fresh coconut for better taste.
- Adjust the consistency of the kootu by adding more or less water.

Storage instructions:
- Store the leftover kootu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the kootu in a microwave or on the stovetop until it is hot.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the kootu in a bowl with rice.

Garnishes:
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

Pairings:
- Serve with steamed rice and papad.

Suggested side dishes:
- Potato fry, cabbage poriyal, or carrot beans poriyal.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the kootu is too thick, add more water to adjust the consistency.
- If the kootu is too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to thicken it.

Food safety advice:
- Wash the vegetables thoroughly before using them.
- Cook the kootu until the vegetables and dal are fully cooked.

Food history:
- Mundu Kootu is a traditional South Indian dish that is usually made with lentils and mixed vegetables.

Flavor profiles:
- The kootu has a creamy and slightly sweet taste from the coconut and mixed vegetables.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the kootu hot with steamed rice and papad.

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Region: Indian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Nutty, Earthy