Manathakkali Kootu Recipe

Step 1: To begin making the Manathakkali Kootu Recipe, we will first wash and clean the moong dal

Step 2: Place the moong dal into the pressure cooker along with the onions, tomatoes, garlic, chilli powder, turmeric powder, salt and about 1 cup of water

Step 3: Cover the pressure cooker, place the weight on and cook until you hear a couple of whistles

Step 4: After a couple of whistles, turn the heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes and turn off the heat

Step 5: Allow the pressure to release naturally

Step 6: While the pressure is releasing, place the chopped Manathakkali Keerai into a steamer

Step 7: Steam until the keerai is cooked through

Step 8: Turn off the heat and take the keerai out of the steamer, so the color remains green

Step 9: Once the moong dal is cooked through completely, open the cooker and give the dal a quick whisk and take care not to mash the dal to much

Step 10: Kootu is usually a thick gravy along with vegetables where you can feel the texture of the dal

Step 11: Stir in the steamed Manathakkali Keerai

Step 12: Check the salt and spices and adjust to taste

Step 13: The next step is to season the Manathakkali Keerai Kootu

Step 14: Heat oil in a tadka pan, add the mustard seeds, urad dal and red chillies

Step 15: Allow them to roast and the dal to brown a little

Step 16: Stir in the asafoetida powder and turn off the heat

Step 17: Pour this seasoning to the Manathakkali Keerai Kootu and serve

Step 18: Serve the Manathakkali Keerai Kootu along with Steamed Rice, Salad for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner or even for a quiet Sunday lunch with family