Koottanj Soru: A Rice of Dal & Vegetables

 Koottanj Soru

(A Rice of Dal & Vegetables)

Koottanj Soru is a traditional dish from Tamil Nadu, prepared by cooking a mixture of rice, lentils, vegetables, and spices. It is a wholesome and nutritious one-pot meal enjoyed during festivals, village feasts, and special family occasions. Historically prepared in Tamil households during community gatherings and special events. The dish tastes better when left to rest for a few hours after cooking, allowing the flavors to deepen. 

Making Time

Preparation Time : 15 min

Cooking Time : 15 min

Total : 30 min

Ingredients

Rice - 1 cup (approx 200 gm) 

Toor Dal - 1/4 cup

Vegetables - Brinjal, Drumstick, Raw Banana (Plantain), Snake Gourd, Mango (3 or 4 pieces), Beans/Broad Beans, Carrot, Tomato (optional), Potato (optional) - 1 cup 

Drumstick leaves - 1/2 cup

Small Onion (Sambar onion/Shallots) - 1/4 cup

Rock salt to taste

For Masala (grind coarsely)

Coconut scrapings - 2 tbsp 

Red Chilies - 2

Black Pepper - 1 tsp 

Cumin - 1 tsp

Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp 

Curry Leaves - 1 twig

Tamarind - 1 coin size 

For seasoning 

Coconut Oil - 1 tbsp

Mustard - 1 tsp

Cumin - 1 tsp

Red Chilies - 2

Asafoetida - 1/2 tsp

Bengal gram Dal - 1 tsp

Curry Leaves - 1 twig

Method 

Half cook the toor dal with little coconut oil, turmeric powder, asafoedita.

Coarsely grind the ingredients given for masala mix. 

Add washed rice, vegetables, coarsely ground mix, salt, water (rice1:3water, as the vegetables have to cook well. 

Wash well and add the drumstick leaves after slightly sauteing. Don't overcook.

Bring it to boil. Lower the flame. Let it cook for ten more minutes. 

Pour the seasoning over the cooked Dal & Vegetable rice. 

If the peppers taste strong, add some ghee after the rice cooked.

 

Had with coconut Thuvaiyal, Coriander Thuvaiyal, Cucumber Raitha or with Baby Potatoes/Small Potatoes (with skin) Fry. 

Happy Cooking!