Bangalore Kathirikaai Kootu

**Ingredients: **

• Bangalore Kathirikkai (Chayote) - 1/2 lb diced

• Gram Dal - 1/4 cup

• Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

• Onions - 1/2 diced

• Green chillies - 1 slit (optional)

• Dry red chillies - 2

• Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp

• Urad Dal - 1/2 tsp (optional)

• Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp (optional)

• Oil - 1/2 tbsp

• Curry Leaves - a few

• Salt to taste

• Grated coconut - 1/4 cup (optional)

**Method: **

Pressure cook the diced veggie along with the gram dal adding some turmeric powder and half the required salt.

In a pan, heat oil, splutter mustard seeds, add the urad dal, cumin seeds, dry red chillies, curry leaves. Then add the onions and saute for a while. Then add the pressure cooked contents to this and bring to a boil adding the rest of the salt. Finally top with grated coconut and mix well. Allow to cook for a minute and remove from heat.

Note: Can substitute moong dal instead of gram dal for the kootu. Goes well with rice or as a side dish.