Kumbakonam kadappa

Even though the name ' kadappa' sounds similar to a place in AP and a variety of  stone for making slabs... For us ( who lives in Kumbakonam and,tanjore and surrounding areas ) it is a tasty side dish for idli and dosa made from moong dhal and potatoes in a mildly spiced gravy. Like how sambar , chutney etc named, kadapa also named in ancient days...... It is commonly called as kumbakonam kadappa as it is famous in kumbakonam....I have not yet posted our famous kadappa ... Missed it due to many reasons... So today I decided to post it... It is mix of sambar and kuruma... We may call it as potato moong dhal kuruma.... Usually in earlier days people used to live in big joint families and hence chutneys need to be prepared in large quantity and this is simple and easy to make with minimum ingredients large quantity..... Hence in most functions in Tanjore district, this recipe takes important place... Even when more guests visit our home, we can prepare this.... It goes well with idly and chappathi.... Today I prepared it for wheat idiyappam.... Can have it with poori it.... But idly and kadapa is best combo and my dad still used to go to flash back of memory of kadappa served in his hostel in Annamalai University.... So please try and give your comments....

Ingredients

For pressure cook

Split Moong dhal - 1/2 cup

Potatoes - 2

For Seasoning

Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp

cinnamon -1

Bay leaf - 1

Cardamon - 1

Curry leaves - Few

To Grind

Coconut - 1/4 cup

Poppy seeds  -1/2 tsp

Fennel seeds - 1/2 tsp

Others

Onion - 1

Tomato - 1

Garlic - 5 crushed

Green chillies - 4

Salt, water, oil - as needed

Coriander leaves for garnishing

Method

First pressure cook split moong dhal and potatoes (skin peeled) and mash it keep aside.... Grind coconut (increase or decrease according the quantity u needed) along with fennel seeds, poppy seeds ( can add cashewnuts for richness), keep aside... In a pan add oil, season with Mustard seed, Cinnamon, Bay leaf, Cardamom and few curry leaves. Then add onion, crushed garlic, nicely chopped green chilies , fry well till onions turn pink, then add nicely chopped tomato and fry , then add needed water and salt and allow to boil for few minutes. When u need thick gravy add title water,need thin add more water... You can make this more watery, that also will taste well..... Now add mashed dhal and potato and allow to boil, then add coconut paste... Allow to boil..... Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with idly.....

Step by step picture