Snake gourd Koottu / Podavalangai Koottu

 

 

Snake Gourd , is a country vegetable or Nattu Kai . It grows very well in Indian climatic conditions . It is available,  in every season and is very cheap too .  Its a super veggie and has high water content . It has natural coolant properties on the body and is a  detoxifier .It helps in general well being and is known as super veggie . It  is very good for insomniacs and promotes weight loss. It cures skin and hair loss too .

Ingredients

  1. Snake gourd   ( cleaned and chopped small )  2 cups
  2. Moong dal or Paasi Paruppu  1/4 to 1/2 cup
  3. Turmeric Powder   1/2 teaspoon
  4. Curry leaves  few
  5. Green chilies  4 ( chopped roughly )
  6. Oil  1 tablespoon
  7. Mustard 1/2 teaspoon
  8. Salt    1 teaspoon
  9. Grated Coconut  ( optional )  1/2 to 1/4 cup
  10. Cumin seeds  1/2 teaspoon

Method

 

  • Wash and drain moong dal and soak for 10 minutes . Take  moong dal and snake gourd in a vessel .
  • Add turmeric powder , salt and curry leaves . Pressure cook till soft . Mostly , if the snake gourd is tender and fresh , it gets cooked in two whistles .
  • Make a paste of coconut , green chilies and cumin seeds, adding very little water .
  • Add the paste to the cooked snake gourd and dal mixture . Cook in low flame, for two minutes , till the rawness of the coconut mixture goes .
  • Heat oil . Add mustard and red chilies . When it crackles , Add to the koottu and garnish with more curry leaves ,
  • Serve hot with rice , rasam or sambhar . Delightful and filling .