Kadamba kootu

Kadamba kootu

Kadamba Kootu is a wholesome South Indian dish made with a mix of vegetables and lentils, cooked with a flavorful coconut-based spice paste. "Kadamba" means "mixed" in Tamil, referring to the variety of vegetables used. This dish pairs beautifully with rice or can be enjoyed as a side for chapati.

Ingredients

Vegetables (choose a mix like the ones below, totaling about 2 cups)

• Pumpkin

• Carrot

• Potato

• Brinjal (eggplant)

• Green beans

• Drumstick

• Raw banana

Other Ingredients

• Toor dal (pigeon pea lentils) – ½ cup

• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

• Salt – to taste

• Water – as needed

For the Spice Paste

• Grated coconut – ½ cup

• Cumin seeds – 1 tsp

• Black peppercorns – ½ tsp

• Dry red chilies – 2-3 (adjust to taste)

• Coriander seeds – 1 tsp

• Oil – 1 tsp

For Tempering

• Coconut oil – 1 tbsp

• Mustard seeds – ½ tsp

• Urad dal – ½ tsp

• Curry leaves – a handful

• Asafoetida (hing) – a pinch

Instructions

Rinse and cook the toor dal in a pressure cooker with water and a pinch of turmeric until soft. Mash the dal well and set aside.

1. Wash, peel (if necessary), and chop the vegetables into medium-sized pieces.

2. In a large pot, add the chopped vegetables, turmeric powder, salt, and a little water. Cook until the vegetables are tender but still retain their shape.

• Heat 1 tsp oil in a small pan and add cumin seeds, black peppercorns, dry red chilies, and coriander seeds. Sauté until fragrant.

• Add the grated coconut and sauté for a minute. Let the mixture cool, then grind into a smooth paste with a little water.

3. Add the cooked dal and the spice paste to the pot with the vegetables. Mix well, adding water as needed to achieve a thick, stew-like consistency. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

4. In a small pan, heat 1 tbsp coconut oil. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add urad dal, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Sauté until the urad dal turns golden brown.

5. Pour the tempering over the kootu and mix well. Serve Kadamba Kootu hot with steamed rice or as a side with chapati.

Kadamba Kootu has a delightful balance of flavors from the mixed vegetables, creamy lentils, and the aromatic coconut-based spice paste. Enjoy!