Zucchini Kootu/ Zucchini Indian Style/Zucchini Gravy

Ingredients

Zucchini - 2 nos
Green Gram/Green Dhal - 8 ts
Pearl Onion - 12 nos or 1 small onion
Tomato - 1 small size
Garlic pod - 3 nos
Ginger - a pea size
Green Chili - 1 no
Turmeric Pwd - 1/4 ts
Salt for taste
Oil - 1ts
Butter - 1 ts (Optional)
Shredded Coconut - 1 ts (Optional)
Milk - 2 ts (Optional )
Coriander leaves/Cilantro - 3 strands


Tempering

Mustard - 1/4 ts
Urad Dhal - 1/2 ts
Cumin Seeds/Jeera - 1/4 ts
Asfoetida/Hing - 2 pinch
Curry Leaves - 2 strands


Method

1. Wash the Zucchini and finely chop it, also wash the Dhal and drain nicely. Finely chop the onion,garlic,Ginger, tomato and green chili.

2. In a pan add a bit of butter and cook the dhal with a cup of water and a pinch of turmeric and Asfoetida pwd. Once the Dhal is cooked keep it aside.

3. In a thick bottomed pan add the butter/Oil and when it is hot add the tempering items given in the list and when the mustard splutters add the chopped onion,garlic,ginger,green chili and fry it for 2mins.

4. Add the Zucchini and turmeric pwd and saute it for 5 to 6 mins in a medium heat, then add the cooked Dhal to it and mix it nicely.

5. Add the milk and adjust the seasoning.

6. Let it cook for 2mins then add the grated coconut and stir it.

7. Switch off the gas, garnish with Coriander leaves/Cilantro.

This kootu goes well with rice and chapati.