The Homemade cooking

A Soulful Taste Of South India:Broad Beans Pepper Kootu

There’s something incredibly comforting about Traditional South Indian dishes- simple ingredients, bold spices, and a farm-to-table freshness that brings out the best in every bite. One such dish that holds a special place in my heart is Broad beans Pepper kootu as well as Poricha kootu varieties and thats saved for later to discuss. It’s humble yet flavourful curry that can elevate any meal with its hearty textures and aromatic spices.

The Charm of Broad Beans

Broad beans, also known as Avarekayi in Kannada or Avarakkai in Tamil, are a seasonal delight in Indian markets. These beans are not just delicious but packed with proteins, fiber, vitamins and minerals- making them superfood for a balanced diet. When cooked with warmth black pepper and coconuts, and earthiness of dal they turn into a comforting dish that warms the palate and the soul. Its wholesome, mildly spiced kootu that soothes the stomach and pairs beautifully with Hot rice, Dosa or Chapati. This makes it as a perfect choice for both everyday meals and healing days.

An Age- Old Recipe passed down:

This recipe has roots in South Indian households, often prepared on cool mornings or during festival seasons. The key lies in the blend of spice- black pepper adding a gentle heat that compliments the calm earthiness of the dal,beans and coconuts. Its the dish that’s both nourishing and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends.

Cooking up a Storm – Step by Step

Ingredients:

Broad Beans- 1 cup

Yellow Split Lentils-1/4 cup

Black peppers-2 teaspoons

Cumin-1 teaspoon

Grated Coconut-14/ cup

Rice flour-1 Tbsp (optional)

Turmeric-1/4 tsp

Asafetida powder-1/2 tsp

Salt- to taste

Water- 1/ &1/2 cup

Tempering:

Coconut oil/Ghee-1 tsp

Mustard seeds-1/2 tsp

Urad dal-1 tsp

Cumin-1/2 tsp

Curry leaves- few

Method:

1. Prepare the beans by washing them well and removing the strings in it, and chop them. If you don’t get fresh beans or have only dried beans, wash them well and soak them overnight, they’ll cook faster and taste better. On the other hand wash the dal well, by rinsing it thoroughly for 4-5times.
2. In an instant pots Pot add the beans, washed lentils, asafetida and salt.

3. Then add the turmeric, and the measured water.

Make your Spice Paste:

In a blender add Coconuts, pepper corns, cumin, rice flour–(it thickens the kootu) and a splash of water. Blend it into a smooth paste – This is the flavour burst that makes the kootu special.

Cook The Kootu: In The Instant Pot mix the grounded paste to the already added beans, turmeric, asafetida, salt and dal. Mix them well. Place the pot in Instant Pot and close the lid of the Instant Pot, Seal the valve and set the Instant pot On high pressure cooking mode for 5 minutes.

4. Once its done, choose to release it carefully if you are doing it manually, if not let it sit for a while, and automatically it will be released. Make sure the kootu should be in soup consistency. You can always choose to add extra water to dilute. While doing so make sure the water is lukewarm or hot.

Finish with a Tempering:

In a small pan, add coconut oil, or ghee. Add Curry leaves, Mustard seeds, Urad dal and cumin with a small red chili.(Thats totally optional). Pour this over the cooked kootu.

Serve:

Hot, flavorful, fragrant–pair it with steaming rice and a dollop of ghee for a hearty meal. I prefer it with Hot Steaming rasam made with tomatoes or Cumin Rasam and pair it with this kootu as its soft and soothing.

Why You’ll Love it

Nutritious: Loaded with plant based protein, fiber, and antioxidants.

Versatile: Pairs beautifuly with rice, millets, or even as a side to Dosa, Chapati or even Bread.

Customizable: Adjust the spice levels or add vegetables like carrots, green beans, chow chow, snake gourd, pumpkins, brinjals for variations.

In Conclusion:

This Traditional Kootu is more than just a side dish; it tastes of Indian heritage, a nourishing recipe passed through generations, and a reminder of the beauty in simple, wholesome cooking. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!

Storage Note:

Stays fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days– just reheat gently before serving.