Peppery Chayote Squash Kootu – South Indian Lentil Curry

Chow Chow Milagu Kootu Recipe – Chayote Squash in a Peppery Lentil Curry

Chow Chow Milagu Kootu is a classic South Indian dish, known for its light and flavorful nature, perfect for those seeking a mildly spiced curry to accompany their meals. This recipe features chayote squash, also called “Chow Chow” in South India, which is cooked in a peppery lentil curry, making it an excellent side dish for phulkas, steamed rice, or even jeera rasam. The combination of fresh ingredients, including roasted cumin and black pepper, enhances the overall taste of the curry without overpowering the vegetables. Simple yet delicious, this dish brings out the natural flavors of the squash, making it an ideal option for a light and wholesome dinner.

Ingredients for Chow Chow Milagu Kootu

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

Instructions

1. Prep the Chow Chow:
   Start by peeling the outer skin of the chayote squash using a peeler. Cut the squash into cubes and set it aside.

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2. Soak the Moong Dal:
   Wash and soak the moong dal in water for about 10 minutes to soften it, which helps it cook faster.

3. Roast the Spices:
   In a small pan, dry roast the black peppercorns, cumin seeds, urad dal, and freshly grated coconut on medium heat until they turn golden and fragrant. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Once roasted, remove from heat and grind the mixture into a coarse paste using a mixer grinder. Set it aside.

4. Cook the Kootu:
   Heat the oil in a pressure cooker over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and allow them to crackle.

5. Add Seasonings:
   Once the mustard seeds crackle, add the asafoetida (hing), curry leaves, and dry red chillies. Let them splutter in the oil for a few seconds, releasing their aromatic flavors.

6. Saute the Vegetables:
   Add the diced chayote squash to the pressure cooker and sauté for about a minute to let it absorb the spices.

7. Combine with Moong Dal:
   Drain the moong dal and add it to the pressure cooker. Stir the mixture and sauté for another minute.

8. Add the Ground Spices and Cook:
   Add the ground pepper-coconut mix, turmeric powder, and salt to taste. Pour in 1.5 cups of water, and stir everything together to combine well.

9. Pressure Cook:
   Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook for 2 whistles on medium heat. This will cook the vegetables and dal perfectly, allowing all the flavors to meld together.

10. Finish and Serve:
    Once the pressure has released completely, open the lid, give the kootu a good mix, and check the consistency. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more water. Serve the Chow Chow Milagu Kootu hot with phulkas, jeera rasam, and steamed rice for a wholesome South Indian dinner.

Serving Suggestions

This Chow Chow Milagu Kootu pairs beautifully with soft, steaming phulkas or a bowl of jeera rice. For an authentic South Indian meal, you can serve it alongside a bowl of tangy Jeera Rasam and crispy Elai Vadam for the perfect combination of flavors.

Tips

• You can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer red chillies, depending on your preference.
• For a richer taste, you can add a tablespoon of ghee (clarified butter) after cooking the kootu.

Chow Chow Milagu Kootu is a great addition to any meal, offering a burst of flavors with a delightful peppery kick. Enjoy this wholesome vegetarian curry that brings together the best of South Indian comfort food in just a few simple steps!