Squash Kootu

Kootu is a dal and vegetable dish that has spice, tangy and peppery taste all in one. Kootu powder can be made in advance and stored in freezer for future use.
Usually done with toor dal and Indian cucumber (dosakaye). I needed ways to cook masoor dal so, tried this out, came out pretty good. Well, appearance is a little deceiving!

1 cup Masoor dal
2 Coyote Squash
2 Green chilies
Few Curry Leaves
Coriander
Sambar powder
Pepper Powder
Tamarind paste

Peel and cut squash. Wash and drain water for the dal. Add dal, squash to a vessel and pressure cook till the dal is nicely done. Remove and keep aside.

Take 2 tsp of oil in a sauce pan and make tadka (poppu) with jeera, mustard seeds, few fenugreek seeds, hing and a red chili. Add chopped green chilies, curry leaves and fry for a few seconds.

Then add cooked dal, salt, turmeric, 2 tsp tamarind paste, 1 tsp sambar powder and 1/4 tsp pepper powder (or use Kootu podi - from my previous blog in Podis / Powders )and coriander. Bring to a boil and remove from flame.

This is a quick to cook, dal dish. Serve it with hot rice or chapati.