Eggplant Kootu

Eggplant Kootu is a tangy vegetarian lentil soup that is very popular in South India. The peanuts add a nutty flavor and a soft crunch to this easy brinjal and lentil dal recipe. Peanuts and lentils are full of protein and make this a healthy recipe.

Servings: 4
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup toor dal (split red gram)
• 2 cups eggplant (brinjal, vangi),
• cut into medium cubes
• 1/4 cup peanuts, boiled with peel
• 2-3 tsp vegetable oil
• Salt to taste

For Masala

• 1 1/2 tsp toor dal (split red gram/lentil)
• 1 tsp chana dal (split bengal gram/yellow lentil)
• 4 tsp coriander seeds (dhania)
• 1/4 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
• 6 red chillies (adjust to taste)
• 3 tsp coconut, dry, grated
• Asafoetida powder (hing), a pinch
• 1 tsp vegetable oil

For Seasoning

• 1 tsp vegetable oil
• Asafoetida powder (hing), a pinch
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 5-6 curry leaves

Preparation

1. Cook the toor dal in the pressure cooker with 1 1/4 cups water and a little turmeric powder for 4-5 whistles.
2. Heat 1/2 tsp oil in a small pan and roast the toor dal, chana dal, coriander, cumin, and red chillies until golden brown. Add the dry, grated coconut and roast on low heat until lightly browned. Remove in a bowl and let cool. Grind the kootu masala with a little water into a coarse paste.
3. Heat 2-3 tsp oil in a deep saucepan, and saute the eggplant until lightly browned. Add 2 cups of water, salt, tamarind paste, kootu masala, boiled peanuts, and a little turmeric powder and let cook for 3-4 minutes on medium heat until the eggplant is tender but not overcooked and the raw flavor of the masala is gone.
4. Add the cooked dal and salt as needed. Add water if needed, to get the consistency you want.
5. Heat oil in a small pan for the seasoning. Add asafoetida powder and mustard seeds. When the seeds start to pop, add the curry leaves and fry for a few seconds. Pour over the dal and stir.
6. Let the eggplant kootu come to a boil.
7. Serve the eggplant kootu hot, with hot rice, ghee, and pappadum.

Cooking Tip

To save time, place the peanuts with 1/4 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl, and cook in the microwave for 3-4 minutes until tender but crunchy.

Category: Dals and Soups - Members, Dals and Soups - No-Onion No-Garlic - Members, Vegan Dals and Soups - Members