Chayote (Chow Chow) kootu

Ingredients

Chayote : 2
Moong dal : 1/2 cup
Grated coconut : 3 tbsp
Cumin seeds : 1 tsp
Red chillies : 4
Turmeric powder : 1/2 tsp
Salt to taste

For the seasoning
Mustard seeds : 1/4 tsp
Urad dal : 1/2 tsp
Chana dal : 1/2 tsp
Asafoetida (Hing) : 1/4 tsp
Curry leaves : a few
Coconut oil : 1 tbsp

Method

1. Cut chayote into small cubes.
2. Put the moong dal in a vessel and the chayote pieces on to of it. Add 1 cup water, cover the vessel with a plate and pressure cook for 3 whistles.
3. Meanwhile grind grated coconut, red chillies and cumin seeds to a fine paste using water as needed.
4. Once pressure releases, combine the ground paste and the boiled mixture. Add salt and turmeric powder and allow it to boil well and any extra water to evaporate.
5. In a separate pan heat coconut oil and splutter mustard seeds. Add urad dal and chana dal and saute till golden brown.
6. Turn off heat and add asafoetida and curry leaves.
7. Add this seasoning to the kootu and mix well.
8. Serve as an accompaniment for sambar/rasam rice or with chapathis.

Serves:2-3