Cucumber Kootu (Cucumber Lentils Curry)

Posted On May 25, 2010

The best way to consume Cucumber is to eat it raw and having it in a salad. As it contains 90 % of water content and helps to reduce the heat from the body. During the rainy cold season, I would like to always make warm food (or) When I have an abundant quantity of Cucumber, Â I prefer to go for this Cucumber kootu. Kootu is a semi-solid curry made by a combination of lentils and vegetables. This recipe is influenced by my mother.

Ingredients:

1. Cucumber – 1, medium-size peeled and cut into small chunks, remove the seeds if it not tender and soft
2. Onion – 1, medium size finely chopped
3. Lentils – 1/4 cup (Moong dhal, can be tried with other lentils too)
4. Oil – 1 Tbs
5. Mustard – 1 tsp
6. Cumin – 1/2 tsp
7. Urad dhal – 1 Tbs
8. Asafoetida – 1/4 tsp
9. Turmeric –  1/4 tsp
10. Dry Red chili – 3 nos
11. Curry leaves – 1 strand
12. Salt for taste

Preparation:

1. In a vessel add the lentils, cucumber, onion, turmeric, salt  and 1 cup of water and pressure cook it and transfer it to a bowl.

2. Do the seasoning. In a hot pan add oil, Mustard, and wait to crackle. Add urad dhal, cumin, dry red chili, asafoetida, and curry leaves and stir for 2 minutes in medium heat.

3. Now add the seasoning to the cucumber kootu and mix it up. It is ready to be served with Rice or as a side dish.

Tip: 1. A spoon of clarified butter and Rice mixed with this Cucumber kootu would give a wonderful taste.

2. Also good combo with Indian bread

3. If the Cucumber skin is tender, use it in the recipe as it also contains nutrients.