Vada Koottu Curry

Vada Koottu Curry is a spicy side-dish that is an integral part of Sadya, the traditional vegetarian feast of Kerala. The hot and sour combination of its base ingredients is enriched by a special spice mix that has been passed down on these shores for centuries. We bring you the recipe for this beloved side dish of God’s Own Country.

Ingredients
Boiled Potatoes - 2 no. (cut into square pieces)
Small Onions (chopped) - 10 no.
Ginger - 1 inch long piece
Garlic
Soaked Urad dal  (for making vadas) - ½ cup
Green Chillies - 3 no.
Chilli Powder - 1 tsp.
Coriander Powder - 2 tsp.
Turmeric Powder - ½ tsp.
Pepper Powder - ½ tsp.
Garam Masala Powder - ½ tsp.
Mustard Seeds - 1 tsp.
Coconut Milk - ½ cup
Curry Leaves
Coriander Leaves
Oil
Salt - to taste

Method of Preparation
Take a small pan and heat some oil. Add salt to the urad dal paste (made by grinding it well without adding any water) for making the vada. Now take a spoonful of this paste and put it in the heated oil. Fry well. Remove the vadas into a bowl and keep it aside.

Now heat three teaspoons of oil in a pan. Put mustard seeds and curry leaves. When it splutters, add ginger, garlic, onions and green chillies. Stir a bit. Now add potatoes cut into cubes.  Stir and sauté for some time. You may now add coriander powder, chilli powder, garam masala and pepper powder. Stir well.

You may now pour a cup of water. Add salt and stir. Cover the vessel and cook well. When the contents become fully devoid of water, add thick coconut milk. Stir a bit. Now add the vadas. Boil for a while. Mix well and add coriander leaves.

Serve the Curry hot.