Neer Dosa, Coconut Chutney and Vegetable Kurma

Ingredients

• 1 cup Fresh Coconut (Grated and tightly packed. Frozen can be used after thawing.)
• 2 tbsp Pottukadalai (Also known as roasted chana dal or chutney dal.)
• 2 pcs Green Chili (Adjust to your spice preference.)
• 0.5 inch Ginger (Peeled and roughly chopped.)
• 1 tsp Tamarind Paste (Or a small marble-sized piece of whole tamarind, deseeded.)
• 0.5 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste.)
• 0.5 cup Water (Use as needed for grinding to desired consistency.)
• 2 tsp Coconut Oil (For tempering. Ghee or another neutral oil can be used.)
• 0.5 tsp Mustard Seeds
• 1 tsp Urad Dal (Split and skinned black gram lentils.)
• 2 pcs Dry Red Chili (Broken into halves.)
• 1 sprig Curry Leaves (About 10-12 leaves.)
• 1 pinch Asafoetida (Also known as hing. Optional but recommended.)

Instructions

1. 1

   Grind the Chutney Base (5 minutes)

   • In a blender or mixie jar, combine the fresh grated coconut, pottukadalai (roasted chana dal), green chilies, chopped ginger, tamarind paste, and salt.
   • Add 1/4 cup of water to begin.
   • Blend in short bursts, scraping down the sides as needed, until you get a thick, smooth paste. Avoid over-blending to prevent the coconut from releasing excess oil.
   • Add more water, one tablespoon at a time, and blend briefly until you reach your desired consistency. Transfer the chutney to a serving bowl.
2. 2

   Prepare the Tempering (Tadka) (5 minutes)

   • Heat the coconut oil in a small tadka pan over medium heat. Test if the oil is hot enough by dropping in one mustard seed; it should sizzle immediately.
   • Add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter completely, which takes about 30 seconds.
   • Lower the heat, then add the urad dal. Sauté for 30-40 seconds, stirring continuously, until it turns a pale golden brown.
   • Quickly add the broken dry red chilies, fresh curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida. Stir for another 15-20 seconds until the curry leaves become crisp and fragrant. Immediately remove from heat to prevent burning.
3. 3

Ingredients

• 400 g mixed vegetables (combination of carrots, beans, peas, and potatoes, chopped)
• 4 pcs garlic cloves (peeled)
• 1 tsp poppy seeds (also known as khus khus)
• 1 tsp fennel seeds (also known as saunf)
• 0.5 cup fresh coconut (grated)
• 10 pcs cashew nuts
• 2 pcs green chilies (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 inch ginger (peeled)
• 1 inch cinnamon stick
• 2 pcs cloves
• 2 pcs green cardamom
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 pcs bay leaf
• 1 pcs onion (large, finely chopped)
• 1 pcs tomato (medium, finely chopped)
• 0.25 tsp turmeric powder
• 0.5 tsp red chili powder (for color, use Kashmiri if possible)
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 0.5 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp salt (to taste)
• 1.5 cup water (for gravy)
• 2 tbsp coriander leaves (chopped, for garnish)
• water for grinding (as needed for grinding the paste)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare vegetables and paste ingredients. Chop carrots, beans, and potatoes into small, uniform cubes. Steam or boil them until just tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside. Soak cashew nuts and poppy seeds in 1/4 cup of warm water for 15 minutes to soften them.

2. 2

   Make the kurma paste. In a blender, combine the soaked cashews and poppy seeds (with their water), grated coconut, green chilies, ginger, garlic, fennel seeds, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Blend to a very smooth paste, adding a few tablespoons of water if needed to help it grind.

3. 3

   Sauté aromatics and paste. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat. Add the bay leaf and sauté for 20 seconds. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the chopped tomato and cook until it becomes soft and mushy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the spice powders: turmeric, red chili, and coriander powder. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the ground paste and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring continuously, until the raw smell disappears.

4. 4

   Simmer the curry. Add the boiled vegetables and green peas to the pan. Mix gently to coat them with the masala. Pour in 1.5 cups of water and add salt. Stir everything well. Bring the curry to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and simmer for 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the gravy to thicken.

5. 5

   Garnish and serve. Stir in the garam masala and chopped coriander leaves. Cook for one more minute. Turn off the heat. Let the kurma rest for a few minutes before serving hot with chapati, parotta, or steamed rice.