Chow Chow kootu / Chayote Kootu with Channa Dhal (Kadalai Paruppu)

Chow Chow Kootu is a popular and easy to make veg accompaniment in Tamil Nadu meal menu; goes well with Chapathi as well! 

Chow Chow is rich in fibre, amino acids and vit c; it is also beneficial against cardiovascular disease and cancer.

 Ingredients:

Chow Chow - 2
Channa dhal - ½ cup

Asafoetida - a pinch

Turmeric powder - ¼ tsp

Salt - to taste

To Grind:
Coconut - 3 tbsp
Cumin Seeds -  ½ tsp
Green chilies - 2 to 3

For Seasoning:
Oil - 2 tsp
Mustard seeds - 1 tsp

Red chillies - 2

Curryleaves - 1 sprig

Directions:

Wash, peel the skin; remove the inner soft seed and chop the chow chow into bite sized pieces.  Keep aside.

Take a pressure cooker; add channa dhal, turmeric powder, salt, chopped chow chow along with  a cup of water and cook it for 2 to 3 whistles.

Grind coconut, green chilli and cumin seeds adding very little water; keep aside.

Once the pressure releases, add coconut paste to cooked dhal and veg mixture.

Give it a mix and allow to cook for 5 minutes in medium flame.


Meanwhile heat oil in a separate pan, season with all the ingredients given under "For Seasoning" one by one.

Once it splutters, pour over the veg mixture and give it a mix.

Remove from the stove and serve hot .

Variation:

You can add sambar powder instead of green chillies for spiciness.

Instead of channa dhal; you can also use moong dhal to prepare this dish.