Thiruvathirai Kootu /Sambar - Ezhu kari Kootu Recipe

For this special sambar we have to add vegetables in odd numbers. Usually the bitter veggies like bitter gourd and other veggies like drumstick, kovakkai is not added. I added 5 veggies including karamani, as i'm in shortage of veggies. 
In olden days this sambar is used for weeks by heating daily. Its called as "erucha kootu" as its heated as many times for days. 
This kootu goes good with dosa, idly, pongal and whatever you like. The best option is Curd rice and erucha kootu. You will feel the heaven while having this combo!!

Ingredients:

Carrot- 1
potato - 1
White pumkin - 1cup cubed
Chow Chow - 1 cup cubed
Karamani (cooked) - 1 cup
Sambar powder - 2 tbsp
Turmeric power - 1 tsp
Tamarind puree - 1 cup (big gooseberry size)
Coconut shredded - 1/2 cup
Toor dal cooked - 1 cup 

Fry and grind:

Coriander seeds - 1 1/2 tbsp
Chana dal - 1 tbsp
Red chilli -3 no
Fenugreek seeds - 1 tsp
Curry leaves - 5 to 6 leaves
Oil - 1 tsp

For tempering :

Mustard seeds- 1 tsp
red chilli - 2 no
Curry leaves - 3 to 4
Fenugreek seeds - 1/2 tsp
Oil -1 tbsp

Method:

Add all the veggies to a big pot/ pan, add water, salt and cover and cook till the veggies become soft and tender.
In a pan add oil and fry all the ingredients given to fry till light brown.
Transfer it to the blender along with shredded coconut and grind to a fine paste adding required water.
Once the veggies get cooked add the tamarind puree, salt, sambar powder, turmeric and boil till the raw smell of the sambar powder and tamarind goes off.
Add the grinded paste and add some water. Now the kootu will look thick. 
Boil them for 10 min. Keep the flame medium to low to avoid the base get burned.
Add the toor dal and cook for 10 more min.
Do the tampering and add it to the kootu.
Remove from fire and serve.

Note: If you feel its less spicy, add few red chillies while tempering.
           Add as much veggies you can, more the veggies more its tasty.
           Fry some shredded coconut in oil till brown and add while removing from
           stove and give a stir. It gives good flavor.