Kashi Delights: Haalu-Huli (Teegoora)

No. of servings: 4	Soak Time: 10 mins
Preparation Time: 10 mins	Cook Time: 25 mins

Called by many names, paalu-koora, teegoora, haalu-huLi, this slightly sweet traditional Karnataka recipe is mild and delicious at the same time. It is a favorite among children especially. When mixed with hot rice and eaten along with (optional) fried yogurt-dried-chilies (meNasinakaayi baaLaka), it is heavenly!

Ingredients:

Chopped Ridge gourd (or) Long gourd (or) Chayote (or) White pumpkin - 2 cups
Freshly grated coconut - 1 cup
Poppy seeds - 2 tsp
Tur daal - 1 cup
Turmeric
Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
Black pepper powder - 2.5 tsp
Channa daal - 2 tsp
Curry leaves - 8-10
Jaggery (or) brown sugar - 1 small pc
Milk - 1 cup
Salt
Chili 'baaLaka' (chilies dipped in yogurt and dried in the sun) - for accompaniment (optional)

Method:

Soak poppy seeds in hot water for 10 mins
Skin and cube the vegetable of choice (any one of the above can work)
Wash the Tur daal and add the diced vegetables to it
Add salt, turmeric and sufficient water
Pressure cook them together (about 3 mins in Instant Pot)
Grind poppy seeds and coconut into a fine paste
Heat oil in a vessel and (if using) shallow fry the chili baaLaka well; strain and keep aside
In the same oil, season mustard seeds, channa daal and curry leaves
Add black pepper powder, then add the ground paste, salt and jaggery
When it starts bubbling, add the cooked vegetables and daal
Bring it to boil and turn off the heat
Warm the milk and add it to the gravy
Excellent comfort food with rice and chili baaLaka on the side!