Chow Chow Kootu (Bangalore kathirikkai or Chayote Squash)

Ingredients

1. Chow Chow (Chayote Squash) - 1
2. Moong dal or chana dal - 1/2 cup
3. Green chillies - 2
4. Shredded Coconut - 2 spoon
5. Cumin seeds - 1/2 spoon
6. salt - 1/2 spoon
7. turmeric powder - 1/2 spoon

Directions

1. Cut chow chow(chayote squash - you get it in Indian store) into small square shaped pieces
2. Boil the dal( moong dal or chana dal) in water. When it is half cooked, drain the water, add the chow chow pieces, turmeric powder and salt to it .
3. Let it boil.
4. Grind the chillies, shredded coconut and cumin seeds into a paste and add it to the boiling mixture.
5. Once it is cooked(usually it takes 10 to 15 minutes), allow to simmer for few minutes.
6. Heat oil in a pan, sputter some mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves and add it to the cooked mixture.
7. Stir only a little bit so the seeds and curry leaves mix well. Do not stir too much as it will cause the kootu to become more pasty.
8. Chow Chow kootu is ready to serve.

It is easy to cook, not spicy and hence good for kids. Goes well with white or saffron rice.