Ellisseri Recipe (A Semi-Liquid Gravy Prepared with Drumstick Leaves and Coconut)

Ingredients

• 0.5 bunch Drumstick (Vegetable) leaves
• 1 cup Coconut, shredded
• 4 units Dry red chillies
• 1 tbsp Jeera (Cumin seeds)
• 0.5 cup Toor Dal (Split Pigeon Peas)
• 1 tsp Turmeric
• 3 sprigs Curry leaves
• 4 tbsp Coconut oil
• 1 unit White onions
• 1 tsp Mustard seeds

Instructions

1. 1In a pressure cooker, cook the Toor Dal with water until it reaches a soft consistency, typically for 4 whistles. Allow it to cool, then open the cooker and mash the dal.
2. 2Add the drumstick leaves to the mashed dal and cook for a few minutes until the leaves are tender.
3. 3Grind the shredded coconut, jeera, and dry red chillies into a smooth paste. Fry the dry red chillies in a little oil before grinding for enhanced flavor.
4. 4Add the ground coconut mixture to the cooked drumstick leaves and dal. Allow it to boil until the mixture thickens into a gravy.
5. 5In a separate pan, heat coconut oil and add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add chopped onions and curry leaves. Optionally, add a tablespoon of coconut for enhanced flavor. Pour this seasoning over the gravy.