Kadala Paruppu Kurma - Channa Dal Kurma

Kurma is a gravy usually made with Veggies of some sort (and in many cases mixed vegetables) and a coconut based sauce. It usually has a lot of masala items like clove, cinnamon etc to add flavour to it. I have made my share of Kurma recipes and posted in this blog. Do check them out. This one was quite unique and I found it in my friend PT's blog. Do check her space for the original recipe. Here is my take on the Kurma.




Ingredients

Channa Dal/ Kadala Paruppu 3/4 cup
Carrot 2
Beans about 1 cup chopped
Onions 2
Tomato 3
Turmeric 1/2 tsp
Chilli Powder 1 tsp
Cumin Powder 1/2 tsp
Coriander Powder 1 tsp
Clove 2
Cinnamon 1 inch piece
Star Anise 1
Curry Leaves few

To grind to paste
Coconut 1/2 cup
Fennel Seeds 1 tsp

Method of Preparation

1. Pressure cook Channa dal with enough water till it is well cooked, but retains its shape. You can also cook it in a pot, it will just take longer. Pre soaking will speed up cooking of dals.

2. Heat oil in a pan. Add the clove, cinnamon, star anise and curry leaves.

3. When it sizzles, add finely chopped onions. Saute till they are nicely browned.

4. Add tomatoes and cook till oil oozes out.

5. Add the turmeric, chilli powder, cumin powder, coriander powder and salt. Mix well and saute for another minute.

6. Add the carrots and beans. Saute and then add some water and cook till the veggies are almost cooked.

7. Add the coconut paste and the cooked dal. Add more water if need be.

8. Bring to boil and simmer till the raw smell of masala is gone and everything comes together.

Serve with idiyappam, appam or parata. Works great for rice and roti as well.