Description
Kumbakonam Kadappa is a traditional South Indian side dish made with moong dal, potatoes, and a lightly spiced coconut masala. Originating from Tamil Nadu, it’s typically served with idli or dosa for a comforting breakfast.
Ingredients
1/2 cup moong dal (yellow split gram)
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 green chili, slit
1-inch piece ginger, grated
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon oil
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 sprig curry leaves
1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
2 cloves
1-inch cinnamon stick
For Grinding:
1/4 cup grated fresh coconut
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 tablespoon roasted gram dal (pottukadalai)
1 green chili
Water, as needed
Instructions
- Wash the moong dal and cook it with turmeric until soft. Lightly mash and set aside.
- Boil the diced potatoes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Grind coconut, fennel seeds, roasted gram dal, and green chili with water to a smooth paste. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add curry leaves, fennel seeds, cloves, and cinnamon. Sauté briefly.
- Add sliced onions, grated ginger, and slit green chili. Cook until onions turn soft and translucent.
- Add cooked moong dal and boiled potatoes to the pan. Mix well.
- Stir in the ground coconut paste and add water to reach desired consistency. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes to allow flavors to blend. Add salt to taste.
- Serve hot with idli, dosa, poori, or rice.
Notes
Add garlic to the masala paste for more depth of flavor.
Use more green chilies or a pinch of black pepper for extra heat.
Sweet potatoes can be used instead of regular potatoes.
Cashews can replace roasted gram dal for a creamier texture.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of water to adjust consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: South Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
