BM#5 ~ Aratikaya - Pesarapappu Koora

Adding dals (beans) like moong, chana or toor to dry vegetable preparations is a mundane thing in Andhra cooking. However, recently I came across a recipe using plantains and moong and the combo sounded interesting and also somewhat strange. When dals are added, the usual vegetables preferred are cabbage, beans, greens, beetroot, some gourds and even carrot. I had never heard about adding moong to a plantain preparation and was curious to see how this unusual alliance works. A plantain to me is either this sweet - tangy curry or chips or plantain fry. I decided to try it to see whether this could be added to my "plantain dishes" list since the preparation sounded simple and quick.
I must say that initially I was skeptical that the curry would end up bland. The final subzi proved me wrong and I ended up making this delicious koora twice last week.

Ingredients for 3 servings:
1 plantain
2 Tbsp moong dal
2 tsp oil
1 tsp each - chana dal, urad dal, mustard seeds & cumin seeds
2 dry red chilies - broken into bits
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
Few curry leaves
Pinch of asafoetida
Salt to taste
Chili powder to taste (1/2 - 1 tsp)
1/4 cup Shredded fresh coconut / grated dry coconut (optional but recommended)

Don't be put off by the long list of ingredients. All most all of them go into the tadka / popu.

Cooking:
* Boil a cup of water to soak moong dal. Drain the soaking water after 10 - 12 minutes.
* Mean while, prepare the plantain. Chop the ends, peel and quarter the plantain. Then cut the plantain crosswise to end up with cubes.
* Cook the plantain cubes adding water, directly in a small pressure cooker or a pressure pan. Cook until the plantains are done but still holding their shape. 
* Heat oil in a kadai / pan. Then add chana dal, urad dal, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, red chilies, curry leaves, turmeric powder and asafoetida. When dals turn reddish, add the cooked plantain cubes, salt, chili powder, coconut and moong dal. Stir well, cook for 2 -3 minutes more and turn off the stove.

Check what the other marathoners in BM#5 are cooking today.

Curry in a hurry under 30 min: Cool Lassi(e), Harini, Kalyani, Priya Mahadevan 
Seven Days of Colorful Dishes Kid's Special: Priya Suresh, Veena 
Seven Days of Indian Sweets: Shylaja, Srivalli  
Seven Days of Regional Specials: Priya Yallapantula  
Under 15 mins Quick Breakfast: Aarthi, Vaishali

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