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
- Snake gourd ( cleaned and chopped small ) 2 cups
- Moong dal or Paasi Paruppu 1/4 to 1/2 cup
- Turmeric Powder 1/2 teaspoon
- Curry leaves few
- Green chilies 4 ( chopped roughly )
- Oil 1 tablespoon
- Mustard 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt 1 teaspoon
- Grated Coconut ( optional ) 1/2 to 1/4 cup
- 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 .