Kootu is basically a mix of lentils and vegetables and is normally an accompaniment to rice or roti. This kootu is something I grew up with and I cannot believe I have not posted this for so long. During college days when my mom asked us what we wanted for dinner, my first choice would be this kootu and rasam. It is very simple to make and is my choice particularly when I do not have veggies on hand. The kootu does have potatoes, but since I normally have potatoes on hand it has never been a problem.
[Pic updated on 4/11/2013]
When my mom makes it she normally adds the deep fried papads. I have been adding papads that have been cooked in the microwave to reduce oil consumption and I also hate to heat up oil just to make papads. You could use either one. Recently when I made this, K commented that I have not blogged about it yet. Happy that he is keeping score too 
. Off to the recipe.
Ingredients
1/2 cup channa dal (kadala paruppu)
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 small potatoes
2 tomatoes
1 tsp chilly powder (adjust to taste)
Pinch of turmeric
Salt to taste
1 tsp oil
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
4 – 5 papads (appalam) fried in oil or in microwave
Method
Take potatoes, onion, tomatoes, channa dal, chilly powder, salt, turmeric and water in a vessel that can be placed in a pressure cooker. Cook for about 3 whistles or 10 minutes. You could also cook on stove top, but pressure cooking is faster.
Out of the pressure cooker.
Coarsely mash and keep aside.
Heat oil in a pan and splutter mustard seeds.
Add the cooked dal and veggies.
Add water to desired consistency. Remember that the papads will soak up some water too. Bring to a boil.
Add the papads.
Turn off the stove when the papads soften.
Simple and comforting dish ready. We had it with rice and vatha kuzhambu.
Enjoy!
Sending to Healthy Diet – Veg Side Dishes happening here and started by Priya.
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This looks interesting
it came out so good…had it for lunch today…
Interesting! Never tried pappad this way.
This kootu looks great. I love chana dal to begin with.
delicious looking recipe
Wow interesting curry….new to me. Falvourful and tempting, loved the serving bowl
wonderful recipe dear…
looks delicious
wow..love your version..my fav combo with vathakuzhambu
Tasty Appetite
My aunt’s signature dish,she makes quite often this kootu,missing it..Makes me hungry..