Milagu (Pepper) Poricha Kootu

This kootu can be made with most vegetables. I only had cucumber that I used and it tasted good.  A dish made with moong dal ( split green gram pulse), that has a nice peppery taste.  This recipe is from Life with Spices.

Ingredients:

Cucumber - 1 large - peel, cut in half lengthwise and remove the seeds
Moong dal - 1/2 cup ( pressure cook till soft and mushy - mash well)
Asafoetida (hing) - large pinch
Turmeric - 1/2 tsp
Salt to taste
Oil - 1 tsp for seasoning
Curry leaves
Mustard seeds

Roast and grind to a coarse powder:

Black gram dhal ( urad) - 1 tbsp
Pepper seeds, black - 1 tsp
Red chillies - 3 nos ( dry)
Coconut - 2 tbsp

Cut the cucumber into medium sized cubes.
Heat oil.  Add the mustard seeds, once it splutters add the curry leaves.
Then the cucumber, some water and turmeric.  Cook till slightly tender.  Do not overcook
Add the mashed moong dal and salt.
Mix well, and then the ground masala powder.  Simmer till well blended
Add water if required to bring to the right consistency.
Take off fire.  Serve with hot rice.