South Indian Style Sorakkai Kootu Recipe – Bottle Gourd Cooked with Lentils
Introduction
Delve into the comforting world of South Indian cuisine with this delightful Sorakkai Kootu, a traditional dish featuring bottle gourd, also known as lauki, cooked alongside yellow moong dal. This diabetic-friendly side dish is not only nutritious but also a harmonious blend of flavors that pairs beautifully with steamed rice and parappu rasam.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bottle gourd (lauki) – diced small | 2 cups |
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 1/4 cup |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fresh coconut | 1/4 cup |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Sunflower Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry Red Chilli – broken in half | 1 piece |
| Asafoetida (hing) | 1 pinch |
| Curry leaves | 2 sprigs |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: South Indian
- Course: Side Dish
- Diet: Diabetic Friendly
Instructions
-
Cook the Base: In a pressure cooker, combine the yellow moong dal and diced bottle gourd with a little water. Secure the lid and cook until the cooker releases four whistles. After cooking, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.
-
-
Prepare the Coconut Paste: While waiting for the pressure to release, blend the fresh coconut, cumin seeds, and red chili powder into a coarse paste. Set aside.
-
Combine Ingredients: Once the pressure has released, gently stir in the coconut paste into the cooked dal and bottle gourd mixture. Allow it to cook for an additional 2 minutes before turning off the stove.
-
Tadka (Tempering): In a small skillet, heat sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and urad dal, letting them crackle. Follow with the dry red chili, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Sauté briefly until fragrant.
-
Final Assembly: Pour the sizzling tadka over the prepared Sorakkai Kootu and mix gently.
-
Serve: Enjoy your South Indian Style Sorakkai Kootu alongside steaming rice and a bowl of parappu rasam for a comforting and wholesome meal.
This recipe captures the essence of South Indian flavors while providing a nutritious and satisfying dish perfect for any meal. Enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience!
