Cabbage Koottu

Koottu is a South Indian lentil and vegetable dish, similar to dhal. This version is made with cabbage. You can substitute the cabbage with other other vegetables such as green bananas or gourds (ash, ribbed or bottle gourds). Serve with rice, a vegetable side dish and some yoghurt and lime pickle for a balanced vegetarian meal. I usually use a pressure cooker when I'm cooking lentils as it reduces the cooking time considerably. You can also reduce the cooking time by pre-soaking the split peas for about half an hour.

Ingredients

• • 1/2 cup yellow split peas

  • 1/4 tsp turmeric

  • 1 stalk curry leaf

  • Salt to taste

  • 2 to 3 cups sliced cabbage

  • 1 green chilli (or to taste), slit

  • 1/4 cup grated coconut

  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed

  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin seeds

  • 1 dstp oil

  • 1/4 tsp mustard seeds

  • 1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds

  • 1/4 tsp cumin seeds

  • 1/2 small onion, chopped - about 1 heaped tbsp

  • Pinch of asafoetida

Method

• 1. Wash the split peas in water until it runs clear.

  2. Put the split peas in a pan with about 2 cups water, salt, turmeric and the whole curry leaf stalk, reserving 4-5 leaves. Bring to boil and simmer until cooked but not mushy, adding more water as needed. To test if the split peas are cooked, press one between your finger and thumb. It should be soft and you should be able to flatten it. If you are using a pressure cooker, bring to pressure, turn heat to low and cook for about 5 minutes or follow the instructions provided with your cooker.

  3. Remove the curry leaf stalk and discard.Add the cabbage and chilli and simmer for a few minutes until the cabbage is cooked, adding more water if needed. The consistency should be that of a thick soup.

  4. Stir in the coconut, ground cumin and garlic.

  5. In another small pan, heat the oil. Add the mustard, cumin and fenugreek seeds. When they pop, add the reserved curry leaves, onions and asafoetida. Cook until the onions begin to brown.

  6. Pour the hot oil mixture over the koottu to temper it. Stir well, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat.