Varagu Arisi Kootanchoru | Instant Pot Millet Kootanchoru
Instant Pot Kodo Millet Kootanchoru or Kadamba Saadam - A Tirunelveli special mixed vegetables and lentil rice recipe with kodo millet or varagu arisi.
Wash the millet and the toor dal and soak it for half an hour.
Meanwhile, chop the tomatoes, peel and chop the shallots and cut and set aside one cup of veggies of your choice. I used broad beans, ridgegourd, peas, and grated broccoli.
Grind the coconut, one shallot, red chilies, and cumin seeds by adding 3 tbsps of water into a smooth paste.
Steps:
Instant Pot Method:
Set the IP in saute mode and add the coconut oil. And when the oil is hot add the mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, hing and curry leaves.
When the mustard seeds start to splutter, add the chopped shallots and saute until it turns translucent.
Now add the tomatoes and the mixed vegetable and stir well.
At this stage add the sambar powder, tamarind paste, salt, and turmeric powder. Mix well.
Then add the ground coconut masala and gently stir again. Let it cook for a couple of minutes and then add the kodo millet and the toor dal.
Now add the water and give it a stir.
Press the cancel button and close the IP lid with the vent in the sealed position.
Pressure cook this at high-pressure mode for 15 minutes and let the pressure release naturally.
When the pressure is released, carefully open the pot and mix the kootanchoru.
That's it. The Tirunelveli special kootanchoru is ready. Serve it hot with yogurt or raita or with any dry curry of your choice.
Pressure Cooker Method:
In a pressure cooker or pan, add the coconut oil. And when the oil is hot add the mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, hing and curry leaves.
When the mustard seeds start to splutter, add the chopped shallots and saute until it turns translucent.
Now add the tomatoes and the mixed vegetable and stir well.
At this stage add the sambar powder, tamarind paste, salt, and turmeric powder. Mix well.
Then add the ground coconut masala and gently stir again. Let it cook for a couple of minutes and then add the kodo millet and the toor dal.
Now add the water and give it a stir.
Close the lid and pressure cook for up to 4 whistles and allow the pressure to release naturally.
When the pressure is released, carefully open the pressure cooker lid and mix the kootanchoru.
Notes
Adjust the salt and spice according to your preference.
As I mentioned, you can include red chili powder instead of sambar powder.
Also, instead of kodo millet, you can use rice or quinoa or other millet varieties.
You can use regular oil for, but coconut oil adds flavor so I would recommend coconut oil.