Masala Mix
- 4 tbs dhania
- 8-9 red chillies (add more to increase the spice level)
- 2 tbs jeera
- 7-8 pepper corns
- 1 small piece of cinnamon
- 1 tbs channa dal
- 1.5-2 spoons urad dal
- 2 tbs dry/fresh coconut powder
- Fry the masala mix and grind them into a smooth paste.
- Pressure cook vegetables and 2 cups of dal in a cooker upto 2-3 whistles. You can use potatoes, carrot, cauliflower, cabbage and green peas. (When I tried there were no other vegetables other than tindora and peas but still tasted awesome).
- Add the masala paste to the cooked vegetables and dal. Also add the tamarind water, turmeric, chilli powder and salt to taste.
- Boil this for 5-7 mins and kootu is ready.
- For final touches, heat oil in a wok or pan; add 3 tbs jeera, small pieces of red chillies, 3-4 pinches of hing, mustard seeds and roast the mixture until the mustard seeds splutter.
- Add this tadka to the kootu and its ready to be served with white rice and ghee.