Ridge Gourd Kootu

For Cooking Dal

Chana dal – 1 cup (soaked for 4–5 hours)

Onion – 1, sliced

Tomato – 1, finely chopped

Garlic – 6 cloves, chopped

Green chillies – 5–6, slit

Curry leaves – 1 sprig

Turmeric powder – 1 tsp

Water – 1½ litres

Salt to taste

For the Kootu

Coconut oil – 3 tbsp

Urad dal – 1 tsp

Dry red chillies – 3, chopped

Green chillies – 3, slit

Garlic – 5 cloves, crushed

Curry leaves – 1 sprig

Shallots/pearl onions – 1 small cup, sliced

Ridge gourd – 1.5 kg, peeled and chopped

Turmeric powder – 1½ tsp

Water – 1½ cups

Salt to taste

Coconut Paste

Fresh grated coconut – 1 cup

Cumin seeds – 1 tsp

Place the soaked chana dal in a pressure cooker with onion, tomato, garlic, green chillies, curry leaves, turmeric, salt, and water. Pressure cook for 1 whistle. Avoid overcooking the dal.

Heat coconut oil in a pan. Add urad dal and fry until slightly golden. Stir in red chillies, green chillies, garlic, curry leaves, and shallots. Sauté for a minute.

Add the chopped ridge gourd, turmeric, and salt. Stir well, add water, cover, and cook until the vegetable is tender.

Add the cooked chana dal to the pan and stir well. Cook for 3–4 minutes to blend the flavors.

Grind coconut and cumin into a smooth paste. Add this paste to the kootu, stir gently, and cook for 2–3 minutes. Serve hot with rice and a side of pulisherry or a simple curry. A light, wholesome, and comforting meal for any day.