Vellai Poosanikai kootu-Ash Gourd Kootu

Along with many fruits there are also so many veggies that have cooling properties and are highly prescribed during summer.Vellai poosanikai/poosanikai/ash guard is one among them due its very high water content.It is often used in sambar or made into kootu (thick stew with/without tamarind),raita.Juice made with ash guard is also very helpful in weight reduction. Pasi paruppu/moong dal/green gram is also an excellent coolant and it is advised that we consume it regularly in summer.This kootu I am presenting today is staple in my home,a mess free,very quick and easy dish with no grinding or fancy ingredients.It is sublime in flavor and very mildly spiced,just apt for summer to keep us cool and hydrated. Try this simple kootu with rice and you will love itVellai poosanikai kootu recipe
Star ingredients: ash gourd and green gramTime:20 minutesServes:6
Ingredients:1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped ash gourd3/4 cup split green gram/pasi paruppu2 tablespoons gram dal/kadalai paruppu 2 dried red chillies1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder1/4 teaspoon asafoetida1 teaspoon cumin seeds1 teaspoon mustard seeds10-12 curry leaves1 tablespoon oilSaltMethod:1.Pressure cook ash gourd with green gram and gram dal until mushy.2.Add 3/4 cup water,salt and turmeric powder to the cooked ash gourd an simmer for 5 minutes.3.In a small kadai heat oil and temper with mustard,cumin seeds,asafoetida.Add curry leaves and red chillies and let them splutter.Add the tempering to the ash gourd an let it simmer for 5 more minutes.4.Once the stew is thickened,remove from flame and serve hot.Notes:1.You can add 2 tablespoons grated coconut while adding turmeric powder.2.Instead of ash gourd you can add yellow pumpkin,chayote squash for the same cooling properties.