Chettinad Paal Koottu

 I have always made this kootu with chow chow(Chayote Squash) but you can make it with any watery veggies like snake guard/pumpkin. This is a very unique and tasty recipe. I am not a big fan of regular kootu but this one is my favorite. This goes very well with any spicy curry or sambar. This is a one pot recipe and it takes less than 20 minutes, my go to for weekdays. You can spot this in most of the chettinad wedding platter.

Cooking Time : 20 Minutes

Serves - 2-3 People

Ingredients:

Chayote Squash - 1

Channa dal - 1/2 cup

Green chilly - 1

Milk - 1/2 cup

For Seasoning:

Coconut Oil - 1 tbsp

Red Chilly - 1-2

Mustard Seeds - 1/2 tsp

Cumin Seeds - 1/2 tsp

Hing - 1/2 tsp

Curry Leaves 

Steps:

1. In a pressure cooker, add channa dal, chayote squash, green chilly, salt and 1/2 a cup of water. Cook for 2 whistles.

2. Add milk and boil it for 2-3 minutes.

3. In a pan, heat a tbsp of coconut oil, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, hing, red chillies and curry leaves. Once they spluttered, add it to the Kootu. 

4. Keep it in low flame for 2 minutes.

4. Garnish with Cilantro.

Serve it with hot rice and any curry!