September 14, 2021

Poosanikai (Ash gourd ) Mor Kootu | Pooshanikai Mor Kootu


Share with friends and family

Mor Kootu is a traditional recipe from the South Indian Cuisine, to be precise it is very common in the Tambrahm households . A simple, yet flavorful gravy prepared using yogurt/curd and coconut chilli paste . 

Unlike the other kootu variety, mor kootu doesn't make use of cooked dal /lentil.  Mor kootu can be called as a close cousin of Aviyal but it is way much lighter on the stomach as it is prepared using just 1 vegetable as the  main ingredient .

Mor kootu can be prepared with vegetables like White Pumpkin (Ash gourd) , Chayote / Chou Chou , Vazhaithandu/ Banana Stem . Some even make use of cucumbers as well in the mor kootu

Mor Kootu is a traditional recipe from the South Indian Cuisine.it can be prepared with veg like White Pumpkin (pooshanikai) ,chayote & banana stem, pooshanikaai mor koot, pumpkin mor kootu, poosnikaai pachadi,pooshanikai pachadi , kumbalkaai pachadi, poosanikkai more kootu

Mor kootu is served as an accompaniment to sambar or vathakuzhambu along with a stir fry ,but I love to mix mor kootu with rice and enjoy with some papads. For me mor kootu is a perfect wholesome meal after heavy binging . It is really very easy to prepare Mor kootu and can be put together in less than 20 mins .

If you are really famished, all you have to do is prepare rice on one burner and get ready to make mor kootu  on another burner and your lunch will be ready in less than 30 mins . A spicy kadalai paruppu thogayal is a perfect combination if you want to have mor kootu with rice . Just lipsmacking and trust me, you will end up eating a little more than usual .

I prefer using fresh curd/yogurt to prepare Poosnikaai Mor Kootu but if you have a liking for a tangy /sour flavor you can use mildly sour yogurt too . 

Donot forget to temper mustard and curry leaves in coconut oil as that is the main highlight of the recipe which enhances the taste and flavor of the curry .

Mor Kootu is a traditional recipe from the South Indian Cuisine.it can be prepared with veg like White Pumpkin (pooshanikai) ,chayote & banana stem, pooshanikaai mor koot, pumpkin mor kootu, poosnikaai pachadi,pooshanikai pachadi , kumbalkaai pachadi, poosanikkai more kootu

Preparation Time - 5 mins
Cooking Time - 20 mins
Complexity - easy 
Serves - 2 to 3 

Ingredients 
250 gms white pumpkin/ash gourd/pooshnikaai 
1/2 cup fresh grated coconut 
1/2 cup thick curd/yogurt 
2 green chillies
1 tsp jeera/cumin
2 tsp coconut oil
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
1-2 dry red chillies
Few fresh curry leaves 

Method 

Mor Kootu is a traditional recipe from the South Indian Cuisine.it can be prepared with veg like White Pumpkin (pooshanikai) ,chayote & banana stem, pooshanikaai mor koot, pumpkin mor kootu, poosnikaai pachadi,pooshanikai pachadi , kumbalkaai pachadi, poosanikkai more kootu

  • In a blender ,add the coconut, yogurt,green chili, few curry leaves ,cumin and grind into a fine paste. The water from the curd is enough to grind,in case you find it difficult you can add a few spoons of water to ease the grinding. 
  • Peel the skin and cut the ash gourd into small cubes and cook it with salt and water until it is soft but firm ..donot over cook as it will turn mushy.  The pumpkin must hold shape yet be soft.
  • Add the ground coconut paste to the cooked pumpkin and mix it well .Adjust salt if needed and let it come to a rolling boil and turn off. Keep stirring as curd and coconut paste will tend to get stuck to the bottom of the vessel and get burnt .
  • Prepare tempering of mustard seeds,  dry red chillies and curry leaves in coconut oil and pour it over the mor kootu. Donot close the lid over the mor kootu while it is hot .Let it cool down and become warm,then you can close it with a lid. 

Some more traditional South Indian recipes using yogurt /curd 

Poosnikaai Mor Kuzhambu (ash gourd in yogurt gravy)

Kumbalkai Majjigehuli  (udupi style yogurt gravy)

Vendakkai Mor Kuzhambu (Ladies finger in yogurt gravy) 

Sweet Potato Pachadi / Raita

Kaalan (Kerala style yogurt gravy)

Mambazha Pulissery  (Mango in yogurt gravy)


Pin it up for future 

Mor Kootu is a traditional recipe from the South Indian Cuisine.it can be prepared with veg like White Pumpkin (pooshanikai) ,chayote & banana stem, pooshanikaai mor koot, pumpkin mor kootu, poosnikaai pachadi,pooshanikai pachadi , kumbalkaai pachadi, poosanikkai more kootu






6 comments:

  1. I always love traditional recipes. And this ash gourd with curd and different spices sounds so flavorful light and delicious. Something like raita but in a different way. Can't wait to try.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Of all kootus, morkootu is my favorite! Your recipe is yum! Now this is sending me to kitchen. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love this but our version is slightly different. We make it as majjige huli in south india, similar with variations.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love Mor kootu and poosnakai mor kootu looks super tempting. I love your recipe as it is very easy to make. We make it slightly different in karnataka.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Mor kootu is a favourite at home. Honestly I have always made it with ash gourd only. I will now try with chow chow. Lovely picture by the way.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I make North Indian style with ash groud or add in dals or have it's juice for detox.. I have read about mor kootu earlier too but never tried it.. You recipe sounds so doable and flavourful..I am going to surely try this soon.

    ReplyDelete

If you feel your search for the recipe ends here and this blog has helped you with that,please do drop in a word / suggestion ,which will motivate me further to help you guys !!