Easy Pushinikai Kootu (White Pumpkin Dhal)

 

Kootu,is a protein rich dhal which is very light with a combination of vegetables and moong dhal.It is one of the important and basic side dish in Tamil cooking.It takes a prominent place in Tamilnadu meals.In olden days,almost daily,it was prepared for dinner with pulip thuvayal(tangy chutney).Kootu can be made in different varieties and style.My version of kootu is very simple,easy and yummmm :))...I learned it from my MIL.Once you try it,will love it!!!

INGREDIENTS:
1) Moong dhal - 2 handfuls(say half cup)
2) Channa dhal - 1 1/2 tblsp
3) Pushinikai cut into chunks - 1 1/2 cups
4) Turmeric powder - 1tsp
5) Rasam powder - 1 tblsp
6) Green chilly(optional) - 1
7) For tempering:
Ghee - 2 tsp
Udad dhal - 1tsp
Channa dhal - 1tsp
Hing - little
Curry leaves - few
8) Water - 2cups
9) Fresh coriander leaves for garnish


In a pot,pour water and add moong dhal.Bring it to a boil,keep an eye on it once you add the moong dhal it starts to bubble and might spill,so add few drops of oil,it will reduce it from spilling.Once the dhal starts to cook,add the pumpkin,turmeric,green chilly,channa dhal and allow it cook until tender.When everything starts to combine and becomes thick,add the rasam powder.Cook for 5 mins and switch off the stove.

In a small pan,heat ghee and saute the tempering ingredients untill light brown in color.It will smell awesome!!! Add it to the kootu,garnish it with coriander leaves and close it with a lid immediately.

Hot kootu is ready!!!! Serve it with hot steaming rice with ghee, along with thuvayal or pickle.Can also be had with rotis or chapathis.

Note:You can add any combination of vegetables as per choice(I once used chow-chow,green peas and spinach).Can also add bit of coconut oil in the end,to add extra flavor.