Cabbage Kootu - Cabbage in a coconut sauce - Muttakose Kootu

Cabbage or Muttakose is very commonly used in Tamil households. Though typically made as a Poriyal (Thoran), Kootu is also quite popular. If prepared properly it is a very tasty dish. It can be made as a side with Sambar and rice. I love to mix it directly with rice and eat. A little pickle and it is just perfect for me.



Ingredients (Serves 6)

Cabbage 1 big (Mine was about 1.2 kg)
Moong Dal 3/4 cup
Turmeric 1/2 tsp

To grind into a paste
Coconut 1 cup
Green Chilli 4
Curry leaf few
Jeera 2 tsp

For Tempering
Coconut oil (or any other oil)
Mustard 1 tsp
Urad dal 2 tsp
Red Chilli 4
Curry leaf few

Method of Preparation

1. Add 3 cups of water to moong dal and pressure cook till it is nicely cooked and mashed up.

2. Finely chop the cabbage. Add it to a big pot with some water (2-3 cups) and turmeric. Cook till the cabbage is all cooked.

3. Make a paste of coconut, green chilli, curry leaf and jeera adding enough water. Make sure it is  a nice smooth paste.

4. Add it to the pot. Using a masher give the cabbage a nice mash. It should have some shape, but a little mashed will taste good. Add more water as required.

5. After boiling for 5-10 min, add the cooked dal and some salt. Add more water if required. Bring to boil and simmer for a little bit more.

6. Finally in a small pan, heat a little oil. Coconut oil gives it an awesome taste. Use any other oil if you don't have coconut oil. Add mustard. When it sputters, add urad dal. When it starts to brown, add broken dried red chilli, curry leaf and hing. Transfer to the pot.