India > South Indian > Tamil Nadu

Oorgai Kootu Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of toor dal
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, peas, potatoes)
- 1 cup of grated coconut
- 1 tbsp of oil
- 1 tsp of mustard seeds
- 1 tsp of cumin seeds
- 1 tsp of urad dal
- 2-3 dried red chillies
- 1 tsp of turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Tamarind pulp (size of a small lemon)
- Water as needed

Special equipment needed:
- Pressure cooker
- Blender or food processor

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Wash the toor dal and soak it in water for 30 minutes.
2. Cut the mixed vegetables into small pieces and keep them aside.
3. In a pressure cooker, add the soaked toor dal, mixed vegetables, turmeric powder, and enough water to cover them. Pressure cook for 3-4 whistles or until the dal is cooked.
4. Once the pressure is released, mash the dal and vegetables using a ladle or a potato masher.
5. In a pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, urad dal, and dried red chillies. Let them splutter.
6. Add the grated coconut and sauté until it turns golden brown.
7. Add the mashed dal and vegetables to the pan and mix well.
8. Add tamarind pulp and salt to taste. Mix well and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes.
9. If the kootu is too thick, add some water to adjust the consistency.
10. Serve hot with rice or roti.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
5. Temperature:
Not applicable
Serving size:
4-5 people

Nutritional information:
Calories: 150
Protein: 8g
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 5g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Toor dal can be substituted with any other lentil.
- Mixed vegetables can be substituted with any vegetables of your choice.
- Tamarind pulp can be substituted with lemon juice.

Variations:
- Instead of mixed vegetables, you can use only one vegetable like pumpkin or bottle gourd.
- You can add some chopped onions and garlic for extra flavor.
- You can add some sambar powder or garam masala for a different taste.

Tips and tricks:
- Soaking the dal before cooking helps in faster cooking and easy digestion.
- Adding tamarind pulp gives a tangy taste to the kootu.
- Adjust the consistency of the kootu according to your preference.

Storage instructions:
The kootu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the kootu in a pan or microwave until it is hot.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the kootu in a bowl with some chopped coriander leaves on top.

Garnishes:
Chopped coriander leaves

Pairings:
Rice or roti

Suggested side dishes:
Papad, pickle, or raita

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the kootu is too thick, add some water to adjust the consistency.
- If the kootu is too thin, let it simmer for some more time until it thickens.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash the vegetables thoroughly before using them.

Food history:
Oorgai Kootu is a traditional South Indian dish that is usually made during festivals or special occasions.

Flavor profiles:
The kootu has a mild and slightly sweet taste with a tangy flavor from the tamarind.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the kootu hot with some rice or roti.

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Region: Indian

Taste: Spicy, Tangy, Savory, Nutty, Coconutty