keerai kootu recipe | spinach moong dal | keerai molagootal | spinach kootu with detailed photo and video recipe. an easy and simple kootu recipe made with moong dal, spinach and coconut masala. the recipe mainly hails from the south indian state of tamilnadu cuisines but is very popular among other states too. the curry or gravy is typically served with hot steamed rice for lunch or dinner, but can also be served with morning breakfast dishes.
i have always been a huge fan of south indian dal variations compared to the north indian style. the main reason could be because i come from south india. and to be honest kootu and its variations is the newest entry into it. the main reason i like kootu is because of the use of coconut masala in it. i personally feel the coconut and dal combination yields a tasty and flavoured dal recipe. in addition, i am a huge fan of moong dal recipes. compared to other lentils i do not find moong dal causing gas problems. hence i always recommend having moong dal recipe whenever possible. further, the addition of spinach with moong dal and coconut makes it an ideal kootu recipe.
furthermore, i would like to highlight some of my tips, suggestions and variations for a perfect keerai kootu recipe. firstly, it is highly recommended and also traditional to use moong dal for the keerai molagootal. having said that you can use other lentils like masoor dal, toor dal and also channa dal. secondly, i have tried to maintain a medium consistency which is the most preferred one. having said that you can increase or decrease the consistency as per your preference by adding water. lastly, once the dal is rested it would gain the thickness and hence you may need to add water before use.
finally, i request you to check my other detailed dal recipes collection with this recipe post of keerai kootu recipe. it mainly includes variations like, cabbage kootu, dal palak, basale soppu koddel, pesara pappu charu, moong dal carrot salad, moong dal, hesaru bele tove, tomato pappu, dal pakwan, amti. finally, i request you to check my other detailed recipes collection like,
keerai kootu video recipe:
recipe card for spinach moong dal recipe:
keerai kootu recipe | spinach moong dal | keerai molagootal | spinach kootu
Ingredients
for pressure cooking:
- ½ cup moong dal
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp oil
- 1½ cup water
for masala paste:
- ½ cup coconut
- 1 tbsp cumin / jeera
- ½ tsp pepper
- 3 dried red chilli
- ¼ cup water
for kootu:
- 3 cup palak / spinach, chopped
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 clove garlic, crushed (optional)
- 3 cup water
for tempering:
- 2 tsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp urad dal
- pinch hing / asafoetida
- 1 dried red chilli, broken
Instructions
- firstly in a pressure cook take ½ cup moong dal, ¼ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp oil and 1½ cup water.
- pressure cook for 2 whistles or until dal is cooked completely.
- now prepare the kootu masala paste by taking ½ cup coconut, 1 tbsp cumin, ½ tsp pepper, 3 dried red chilli.
- blend to smooth paste adding ¼ cup water. keep aside.
- in a large kadai, take 3 cup palak, ¼ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp salt and 3 clove garlic.
- cover and boil for 5 minutes adding 3 cup water.
- now add the prepared coconut masala paste and mix well.
- boil for 3 minutes or until the raw flavour of coconut is disappeared.
- now add in cooked moong dal and mix well.
- adjust the consistency adding water if required.
- simmer for 5 minutes or until the flavours are absorbed well.
- prepare the tempering by heating 2 tsp coconut oil and splutter 1 tsp mustard, 1 tsp urad dal, pinch hing and 1 dried red chilli.
- pour the tempering over kootu and mix well.
- finally, enjoy keerai kootu with hot steamed rice.
how to make keerai kootu with step by step photo:
- firstly in a pressure cook take ½ cup moong dal, ¼ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp oil and 1½ cup water.
- pressure cook for 2 whistles or until dal is cooked completely.
- now prepare the kootu masala paste by taking ½ cup coconut, 1 tbsp cumin, ½ tsp pepper, 3 dried red chilli.
- blend to smooth paste adding ¼ cup water. keep aside.
- in a large kadai, take 3 cup palak, ¼ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp salt and 3 clove garlic.
- cover and boil for 5 minutes adding 3 cup water.
- now add the prepared coconut masala paste and mix well.
- boil for 3 minutes or until the raw flavour of coconut is disappeared.
- now add in cooked moong dal and mix well.
- adjust the consistency adding water if required.
- simmer for 5 minutes or until the flavours are absorbed well.
- prepare the tempering by heating 2 tsp coconut oil and splutter 1 tsp mustard, 1 tsp urad dal, pinch hing and 1 dried red chilli.
- pour the tempering over kootu and mix well.
- finally, enjoy keerai kootu with hot steamed rice.
notes:
- firstly, you can add malabar spinach in place of spinach.
- also, adjust the amount of spice to your choice.
- additionally, do not over the palak as it looses its nutritional value.
- finally, keerai kootu recipe tastes great when prepared slightly thick.