Chayote Squash Dal/Kootu

This is my mother in law’s recipe for a South Indian comfort meal called ‘chow chow kootu’ which has become a staple for us!

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 chayote squash, peeled and cubed

• ½ cup moong daal

• ½ tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ cup coconut powder

• 1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)

• 1 tsp chili powder (1½ tsp for more spice)

• 5 cups water

Directions:

1. Heat a large pot on medium heat

2. Add 3 cups water, cubed chayote squash, moong, turmeric and salt

3. Blend together 1 cup of water, coconut, red chili powder and cumin seeds together

4. Pour the blended mixture into the pot

5. Add another 1 cup of water to the blender and swirl it around to pick up the remnants of the blended mixture. Pour that into the pot

6. Cover with a lid and cook on medium heat for 25-30 minutes or until squash is softened and dal is cooked through

7. Serve hot with rice or quinoa

8. Enjoy!

Instagram Reel - Chayote Squash Dal

TikTok - Chayote Squash Dal