Pudalangai Kootu or Potlakai Kootu (Snake Gourd Curry)

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Pudalangai Kootu or Potlakaya Kootu (Snake Gourd Curry) is one of those easy to make side dishes that goes very well with both rice and roti.

Ingredients

1. Pudlangai, Potlakaya, or Snake Gourd – 1/2 Kilo
2. Kandi Pappu or Tuvar Dal- 1/3 Cup
3. Grated Fresh Coconut – 3 tbsp
4. Rice Flour – 1 tsp
5. Pepper Corns – 6 to 8
6. Cumin Seeds – 1/2 tsp
7. Mustard Seeds – 1/2 tsp
8. Red Chillies – 3 or 4
9. Oil – 2 tsp
10. Turmeric – A Large Pinch
11. Salt to Taste

Method

1. Grind the coconut, pepper, cumin seeds, and rice flour into a smooth paste with some water.
2. Cut open the snake gourd vertically.
3. Deseed the snake gourd.
4. Cut into 1/4″ wide semi-circular pieces.
5. Mix the tuvar dal with the snake gourd pieces.
6. Add enough water to cover the snake gourd and dal.
7. Pressure cook for three whistles.
8. Gently mix the snake gourd and dal so that the dal gets mashed.
9. In a heavy bottomed vessel, heat the oil.
10. Add mustard seeds and wait till they splutter.
11. Add the cumin seeds and fry for 30 seconds.
12. Add red chillies and curry leaves.
13. Fry for a minute.
14. Add the coconut paste and turmeric powder.
15. Add the cooked snake gourd and dal mix.
16. Add salt.
17. If required, add some water so that the kootu has a thick pouring consistency.
18. Mix well.
19. Bring to a boil.
20. Serve warm with rice or rotis.

Tips

• You can cook the dal and snake gourd separately, and then mix them.
• The color of the turmeric comes to fore only on the first boil.