Kathirikai Paruppu Kootu Recipe: A Flavorful Tamil Delight
Kathirikai Paruppu Kootu is a beloved side dish from the heart of Tamil Nadu. It combines the earthy goodness of lentils, the natural sweetness of brinjal (eggplant), and a variety of aromatic spices, creating a comforting and wholesome dish that pairs perfectly with rice. This recipe is a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors, making it an ideal accompaniment to a variety of meals. Let’s dive into the details of this Tamil vegetarian classic!
Recipe Details:
- Cuisine: Tamil Nadu
- Course: Side Dish
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Small Brinjal (Baingan / Eggplant) | 4, cut into quarters |
| Arhar dal (Split Toor Dal) | 1/2 cup |
| Boiled Peanuts | 4 tablespoons |
| Mustard seeds (Rai / Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Ginger | 1 inch, chopped |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Tamarind Water | 1 cup |
| Jaggery | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Coriander (Dhania) Seeds | 2 teaspoons |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Chana dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 |
| Fresh coconut | 1/4 cup |
| Oil | As required for cooking |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~230 kcal |
| Protein | ~9 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~32 g |
| Fiber | ~7 g |
| Fat | ~7 g |
| Sodium | ~300 mg |
| Vitamin A | ~20% DV |
| Vitamin C | ~10% DV |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Spicy Coconut Paste:
- Heat a skillet or frying pan with a tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add coriander seeds, urad dal, and chana dal. Let them sizzle for a few seconds.
- Add black pepper powder, dry red chillies, and fresh coconut. Keep frying the mixture until the coconut turns light brown and fragrant.
- Allow the mixture to cool down slightly, then transfer it to a grinder. Add a bit of water and grind it into a smooth paste. Set it aside for later.
-
-
Cooking the Brinjal (Eggplant):
- In a pressure cooker, heat another tablespoon of oil. Add mustard seeds and curry leaves. Allow them to crackle for a few seconds.
- Add the quartered brinjal (eggplant) pieces. Sprinkle with salt and turmeric powder. Sauté the brinjal for about 2 minutes until it begins to soften.
- Add tamarind water and jaggery to the cooker. Let the brinjal cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
-
Adding the Lentils and Peanuts:
- Add the prepared spicy coconut paste to the cooker, followed by the boiled peanuts and soaked toor dal. Adjust the salt to taste.
- Mix everything well, then cover the cooker with its lid. Pressure cook for 3 whistles. Allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the lid.
-
Final Touches:
- Once the pressure is released, open the cooker and gently mix the Kathirikai Paruppu Kootu. The brinjal and lentils should be cooked thoroughly, and the mixture should have a creamy consistency.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Transfer the Kathirikai Paruppu Kootu to a serving platter and serve it hot. This dish goes wonderfully with steamed rice, Moong Dal Rasam (Pesara Pappu Charu), and Carrot Poriyal for a complete and fulfilling Tamil meal.
Tips for the Perfect Kathirikai Paruppu Kootu:
- Eggplant Choice: Use tender, small brinjals (eggplants) for the best texture and flavor. If you’re using larger eggplants, be sure to deseed them for a smoother dish.
- Tamarind Water: If you don’t have fresh tamarind, you can use tamarind paste diluted with water to achieve a similar tangy flavor.
- Jaggery Substitution: If jaggery is unavailable, you can substitute with brown sugar or coconut sugar for a similar sweetness.
- Spice Level: Adjust the quantity of dry red chillies and black pepper powder based on your preferred spice level.
Why You’ll Love Kathirikai Paruppu Kootu:
Kathirikai Paruppu Kootu is not just a side dish, but an authentic representation of Tamil Nadu’s rich culinary tradition. The combination of hearty lentils, nutritious vegetables, and spices creates a wholesome, satisfying dish. The tanginess from tamarind, the sweetness from jaggery, and the earthy depth from the spices make it a flavorful addition to any meal. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate vegetables into your diet in a delicious way!
Enjoy this Tamil delicacy as part of a family meal, or serve it at your next gathering. Whether you’re a fan of South Indian cuisine or just looking to try something new, this Kathirikai Paruppu Kootu will surely become a favorite!
