Katharikkai, Murungaikkai Kootu

                                   Katharikkai, Murungaikkai Kootu is a tasty side dish for rice, prepared in the Tirunelveli region, especially by the Saiva Vellala Community.

                            This Kootu has a unique taste.

Katharikkai, Murungaikkai Kootu

Ingredients :

Brinjal     4
Drumstick    1
Moong Dhal    2 tbsp.

To grind in the mixer :

Grated coconut     3 tbsp.
Green chillies   1 or 2
Zeera     3/4 tsp.
Small onions ( optional )   4

Method :

1. Soak the Moong Dhal for 10 mins.Cook the Dhal till it is almost cooked  and add
    the sliced Brinjal, Drumstick.Cook with enough water till the vegetables become
    soft.

2. Add the ground coconut mixture, salt and let it boil on a medium flame till the raw
   smell of the chillies and onions leave.

3. Season with Mustard, Urad Dhal and Curry leaves.


Note :

1. During the early days, we used to add boiled milk to all Kootu varieties.Those days
    lunch was eaten fresh and mostly children came home for lunch.Nowadays lunch is
    packed and milk is not mixed with the fear that it may turn sour when taken late.
    So if the Kootu is prepared to be taken within 2 or 3 days, adding 3 or 4 tbsp. of milk
    to Kootu  while adding the coconuts give a rich taste.

2. If cooked Toor Dhal is left in the fridge, that can be used instead of the Moong Dhal.