Coriander Kootu | Kothamalli Kootu 

Coriander Kootu or Kothamalli Kootu (as it is known in Tamil) is a delicious traditional South Indian dish made with moong dal and spices, along with fresh coriander leaves

.This dish is a staple in many households, as it is nutritious, flavorful, and easy to prepare. The word “kootu” refers to a type of South Indian dish that is typically made with lentils, vegetables, and spices. The combination of the creamy lentils and the fragrant coriander creates a delicious and healthy meal that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish.

To make Coriander Kootu, you will first need to cook split moong dal along with  turmeric powder, asafoetida, oil and required water and mash it well, then in a kadai a tempering is given with special Kulambu thalippu vadagam (see notes below )and then chopped coriander leaves are added and sautéed well, then the cooked moong dal,salt and little sambar powder is added and mixed well and the kootu is brought to a boil and served with rice.For this Kothamalli Kootu we don’t add onions or tomatoes but you free to do so if you like.Moreover if you don’t have Kulambu thalippu vadam you can use regular tempering of mustard seeds ,urad dal ,red chillies and asafoetida .Apparently you can add  a paste  of grated coconut, green chillies and cumin seeds instead of sambar powder and make it like your regular Kootu.

One of the best things about Coriander Kootu is its versatility. You can enjoy it on its own, or you can pair it with steamed rice, chapati etc.. 

In terms of nutritional value, Coriander Kootu is a powerhouse of nutrients. Lentils are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and iron, while the fresh coriander are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, along with calcium and magnesium. The spices used in the dish also have numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Check out how to make this delicious nutritious coriander Kootu or Kothamalli Kootu recipe below.

Ingredients 

Chopped coriander leaves-2-3 cups 

Moong dal -1/2 cup

Turmeric powder-1/4 Tsp 

Sambar powder-1/2 -3/4 Tsp 

Kulambu thalippu vadagam-1 1/2 Tsp 

Asafoetida-1/4 Tsp 

Salt to taste 

Oil -2 Tsps 

Recipe Video 

Method 

👉Pressure cook the moong dal along with turmeric powder,asafoetida, a teaspoon of oil and required water for 5-6 whistles, mash the dal well and set aside.

👉Wash and chop the coriander leaves and set aside 

👉Heat oil in a kadai add *Kulambu thalippu vadagam *sauté for few seconds then add the chopped coriander leaves sauté well for 5 minutes until the leaves wilt.

👉Now add the cooked moong dal, salt, sambar powder,1/2 -1 cup water and allow the Kootu to boil until desired consistency. Garnish with grated coconut.

👉Switch off the gas and serve hot.

Preparation time-20 minutes 

Serves-4-5

Note -

✍️Kulambu thalippu vadagam-

It is a type of dried seasoning made with urad dal, mustard seeds, small onions, curry leaves, red chillies .asafoetida and castor oil,this mixture is sun dried and stored,this is added to the kootu, Sambar, Rasam etc as tempering.