Chef Priya
Priya's Kitchen Notes

Easy recipes, bold spices, and stories from my family kitchen.

Starter Guide To Indian Flavor

Simple South Indian Mixed Veg Curry

Kootu

(48 reviews)
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This curry is a staple in South Indian homes, often enjoyed with steaming rice. The coconut gives it a rich, creamy texture while the spices provide a warm, comforting flavor.

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Simple South Indian Mixed Veg Curry
Prep time:20 mins
Cook time:30 mins
Total time:50 mins

Protein

10g

Carbs

45g

Fat

12g

Calories

320 kcal

Servings:
4
VeganGluten Free

Ingredients

toor dal0.50 cup
(rinsed and soaked for 15 minutes)
water2 cups
(for cooking dal)
mixed vegetables3 cups
(carrot, potato, green beans, chopped into small pieces)
coconut0.50 cup
(fresh grated or desiccated)
curry leaves10
(fresh)
saltto taste
coconut oil2 tbsp

Spices

dried red chilies2
cumin seeds1 tsp
turmeric powder0.50 tsp
mustard seeds1 tsp

Directions

Cook the Lentils

  1. In a medium saucepan, add the soaked toor dal and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
  2. Simmer until the dal is soft and mushy, about 15-20 minutes.
  3. Once cooked, mash the dal lightly with the back of a spoon and set aside.
Chef's tip: Adding a pinch of turmeric and a few drops of oil while cooking the dal can speed up the cooking process.

Prepare the Coconut Paste

  1. In a blender, combine grated coconut, dried red chilies, and cumin seeds. Add a little water to form a smooth paste.

Cook the Vegetables

  1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil over medium heat. Add chopped vegetables with a pinch of salt and sauté for 5 minutes.
  2. Add the coconut paste to the skillet, stirring to coat the vegetables.
  3. Add the mashed dal, turmeric powder, and additional water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
  4. Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Temper and Serve

  1. In a small pan, heat the remaining coconut oil. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
  2. Add curry leaves and fry for a few seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour this tempering over the curry and stir gently.
  4. Adjust salt to taste and serve hot with rice or rotis.
Chef's tip: For an authentic touch, serve with a wedge of lime or lemon on the side.

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Behind the Recipe

Chef Priya in her kitchen

Hi! I'm Priya. I grew up in Delhi in a tiny kitchen filled with noise, spices, and stories. I learned to cook the way most of us do—by watching, tasting, and eventually doing. My mother never measured anything, but somehow every dish was perfect.

After I moved to the U.S., I found myself cooking the same dishes to feel close to home. Friends would ask for recipes, and I realized how unfamiliar Indian cooking still felt to many people here. That's what led me to start sharing—not just the food, but the how and why behind each step.

These recipes are rooted in tradition but shaped by life abroad. I try to keep things practical without losing what makes them special. If you've ever wanted to bring more Indian flavor into your kitchen, I hope this is a good place to start.