Vada koottu curry( trivandrum sadya special )

1. Step 1.
Soak urad dal in water for about 30 mints.Grind it to a coarse paste by adding very little water and enough salt.Heat oil in a deep pan and make very small vadas ( gooseberry sized )with the dal paste.Fry till they become golden brown.Transfer to a bowl and keep aside.

2. Step 2.
Dry roast red chillies and coriander seeds on a low flame .Remove from fire and let it cool to room temp.Grind to a smooth paste by adding enough water.Keep aside.

3. Step 3.

4. Cook cubed potatoes by adding 1/4 tspn turmeric powder ,enough salt and thin coconut milk.Cook till the potatoes are half cooked.Remove from fire and keep aside.

5. Step 3. Preparing masala

6. Heat oil in a pan and add ginger,garlic,green chillies and curry leaves.Saute till the raw smell goes.Then add chopped onion and saute till they turn transparent.

7. Add the masala powders and saute for few more seconds.Add thick coconut milk and cook for 1-2 mints in low flame .( add thick coconut milk only after lowering the flame ).Then add the half cooked potatoes along with the thin coconut milk(used for cooking ) into the masala.Mix well ,cover and cook for 2-3 mints.

8. Add the fried vadas and red chilli paste ( step 2 ) into the gravy.Mix well and cook till the gravy thickens.

9. Finally drizzle some coconut oil and mix well.Remove from fire.

10. Seasoning

11. Heat little oil in a pan add urad dal.Fry till they become golden brown .Add dry red chilli and curry leaves.Fry till they change colour.Pour it into the masala curry.