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Vendhaya paruppu kootu served hot, a traditional South Indian kootu made with vendhaya keerai and toor dal (வெந்தய பருப்பு கூட்டு)

Vendhaya Paruppu Kootu (Vendhaya Keerai Kootu)

Vendhaya Paruppu Kootu is a simple and healthy South Indian kootu made using vendhaya keerai (fenugreek leaves) and cooked toor dal. This comforting dal-based dish is lightly spiced, easy to digest, and perfect for everyday lunch with hot rice.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: lunch
Cuisine: Indian, southindian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 125 gms toor dal
  • ½ cup vendhaya keerai fenugreek leaves, cleaned
  • 1 no medium onion sliced
  • 1 no tomato chopped
  • 6 no garlic cloves
  • 1-2 nos dried red chillies broken
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • ¼ tbsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Water as required

Equipment

  • 1 Pressure Cooker

Method
 

  1. Wash the toor dal well and soak it in water for at least 1 hour.
  2. Transfer the soaked dal to a pressure cooker. Add chopped tomato, garlic cloves, turmeric powder, required salt, and enough water. Pressure cook until the dal becomes soft and mushy. Mash lightly and keep aside.
  3. Heat oil in a pan over medium flame. Add cumin seeds and allow them to splutter.
  4. Add sliced onion and broken red chillies. Saute until the onions turn soft and translucent.
  5. Add the cleaned vendhaya keerai to the pan. Mix well and cook for 2–3 minutes until the greens wilt and soften.
  6. Add the cooked toor dal to the pan and mix everything well.
  7. Check salt and adjust if needed. Add a little water if the kootu is too thick.
  8. Let the vendhaya paruppu kootu simmer on low flame for 5 minutes.
  9. Switch off the flame once the kootu reaches a creamy, well-blended consistency.

Notes

  • Do not overcook vendhaya keerai, as it may increase bitterness.
  • Adjust red chilli quantity based on your spice preference.
  • The kootu should be slightly thick and creamy, not watery.
  • Always mash the dal lightly for a smooth texture.
  • For extra spice, you can sprinkle red chilli flakes on top just before serving. This step is optional and can be skipped if you prefer mild flavours.