Ash gourd mor kootu

Hello everyone,

Ash gourd mor kootu is a traditional palakkad style dish which is very similar to Aviyal. Aviyal is a mix of veggies but in mor kootu just ash gourd/ poosanikai is used. The base coconut paste for aviyal and mor kootu are the same. 

I got this recipe from my aunty. When I was talking to her over phone, I casually asked her what's the lunch. She said mor kootu and I was wondering what is mor kootu. Her daughter(my akka) shared the recipe and I tried it the very next day. 

Ash gourd mor kootu can be prepared within 20 mins of time. This can be severed as a main dish for lunch along with vatha kuzhambu or as a side dish with Adai. 

Ingredients:

Ash gourd or poosanikai - 2 - 2.5 Cups

Grated coconut - 1/4 cup + 1 tblsp

Green chili - 1 or 2 

Beaten curd - 1/4 cup

Coconut oil - 1.5 tsp

Curry leaves - 4-5 leaves chopped

Water - 2 tbsp 

Pre-preparation:

1. In a mixie jar or blender, add coconut, green chili and water. Grind it to a smooth paste.

Method:

1. Cook the chopped ash gourd with salt and little water in a heavy bottomed vessel.

2. When it is half cooked add the ground coconut paste and cook until it is combined well. Adjust the salt if required. 

3. Switch off the stove and allow it to cool. Add the beaten curd and mix well. 

4. Add coconut oil and curry leaves to the kootu. Give it a stir. 

5. Mor kootu is ready to serve with steamed rice. 

Notes:

1. Ash gourd itself leaves water when cooked so be careful in adding water for cooking. 

2. Make sure ash gourd is not overcooked otherwise it will become mushy. 

3. Do not boil the kootu once the curd is added.