Poosanikai Kootu is a authentic recipe and this is my moms version of vellai poosanikai kootu. We used to call this as Poosanikai Kalyana Kootu. In my mils place we always makes poosanikai puli kootu, and will share that recipe later.Ash gourd also known as winter melon and it is very good for health also.

INGREDIENTSASHGOURD|POOSANIKAI250 GMS

TOOR DAL1/4 CUP

CHANNA DAL1/4 CUP

SAMBAR POWDER1/2 TSP

TURMERICA PINCH

COCONUT OIL1 TSP

MUSTARD SEEDS1/4 TSP

ASAFOETIDAA PINCH

CURRY LEAVESFEW

COCONUT(SHREDDED)2 TBLSP

SALTAS NEEDED

TO GRIND:CORIANDER SEEDS1/2 TSP

CHANNA DAL1/2 TSP

RED CHILLI3-4

COCONUT2-3 TBLSP

METHOD: Cut the poosanikai into big cubes. Soak the toor dal and channa dal in water for 15 minutes.

In a vessel put the dal and add sambar powder, turmeric powder ,salt and water.Add water to cover the dal. Do not add too much and make the poosanikai immerse in that. Top with the poosanikai . Pressure cook till 2-3 whistles.

Dry roast the ingredients given under theto grind table. Grind this into a smooth paste adding little water.

Dry roast the coconut in a pan without getting it burnt.

In a pan, transfer the cooked poosanikai and dal mixture, ground masala and add 1/2 cup of water to reach the kootu consistency. Boil for 2-3 minutes. Add the roasted coconut and temper mustard seeds and curry leaves in coconut oil.

Serve hot with any dry curry. We had withYam Fry.