Chow Chow Kootu Curry (Kerala Style) | Chayote Curry

Chayote is a low calorie,fiber rich vegetable.It is a good source of  vitamin B complex and contains moderate levels of potassium.Though I have heard about this veggie long back,but never was in my grocery list until recently when I caught hold of these light green veggie.The vegetable has a mild flavor and so it has to be added to some lentils or other vegetables to enhance the tastes as far as Indian cooking is concerned.This is the first time I tried a kootu with chayote(chow chow) and was good.Do give this healthy dish a try and enjoy !!!

Ingredients
toor dal or moong dal  1/4 cup(I used toor dal)
turmeric powder 1/2 tsp
garlic sliced 2
chayote/chow chow 1
sambar powder 1 tsp
hing/asafoetida a pinch
salt to taste

to grind 
coconut 3 tbsp
cumin seeds 1/2 tsp
shallots 2

to temper
mustard seeds 1/2 tsp
dry red chillies 2
curry leaves few
oil 2tsp

 Method

• Wash and pressure cook the dal for 3 whistles with enough water,garlic slices,salt and turmeric powder.
• Wash and peel the skin of chayote.This releases a sap or sticky latex,so use gloves or peel and wash under running water.Chop in medium sized pieces.keep aside.

• Add the chayote pieces once the dal is semi cooked.And cook again for 2 whistles.
• In the mean time,grind the coconut,cumin seeds and shallots to a smooth paste.
• Once the pressure is released from cooker,open and add sambar powder,adjust salt.Add in the ground mix,bring to a boil.Let the curry thicken slightly.Turn off flame as it tends to thicken while cooling down.
• Heat another pan,add oil.Splutter mustard seeds,curry leaves and fry red dry chillies.Add this to the curry,mix well.Serve warm with rice !!

Servings ~ 5 adults as side dish

NOTES 
* You can add chayote and dal together and cook for 3 whistles but I wished the chayote pieces slightly tender and not mushy.
* You can use chana dal or moong dal to make kootu.