Ingredients:

• Bangalore Kathirikkai (Chayote) – 1/2 lb diced
• Gram Dal – 1/4 cup
• Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp
• Onions – 1/2 diced
• Green chillies – 1 slit (optional)
• Dry red chillies – 2
• Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp
• Urad Dal – 1/2 tsp (optional)
• Cumin seeds – 1/2 tsp (optional)
• Oil – 1/2 tbsp
• Curry Leaves – a few
• Salt to taste
• Grated coconut – 1/4 cup (optional)

Method:

Pressure cook the diced veggie along with the gram dal adding some turmeric powder and half the required salt.

In a pan, heat oil, splutter mustard seeds, add the urad dal, cumin seeds, dry red chillies, curry leaves. Then add the onions and saute for a while. Then add the pressure cooked contents to this and bring to a boil adding the rest of the salt. Finally top with grated coconut and mix well. Allow to cook for a minute and remove from heat.

Note: Can substitute moong dal instead of gram dal for the kootu. Goes well with rice or as a side dish.