Beat the heat with this South Indian Summer Thali - Snake Gourd Kootu Mango-Bitter Gourd Curry

split yellow moong dal

🥗Healthier: split red lentils

💰Cheaper: chana dal

Chana dal is more affordable and provides similar protein content.

coconut

🥗Healthier: coconut milk

💰Cheaper: cashews

Cashews can mimic creaminess at a lower cost.

Grind 2 cups of freshly grated coconut, 3 cloves of garlic, 10-12 peppercorns, and 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds to a coarse paste without water.

Heat 3 to 4 tablespoons of coconut oil until hot.

Add 1 tablespoon of urad dal and wait for it to become slightly golden.

Add a pinch of hing and 1 teaspoon of black mustard seeds; let it splutter.

Add 5 green chilies, broken in half, and a spring of curry leaves.

Add 2 finely chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent, not browned.

Add 1/2 cup of soaked chana dal and mix well.

Cover and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on medium-low flame, stirring occasionally.

Add 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1/2 kg of chopped snake gourd; mix well.

Add salt to taste and cover to cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

After 5 to 7 minutes, add the coconut mixture and mix well.

Cover and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until the chana dal is cooked.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary