Method to make Vellerikka Kootu: Chop the cucumber into medium bite size pieces and keep it aside. Soak the rice in water for 10 minutes. Add the cucumber pieces to a sauce pan along with 1/2 cup of water, turmeric and salt and cook them till the cucumber is soft and tender. Keep the cooked cucumber aside Wash, peel, and chop the cucumber into small cubes. In a pan, heat oil, add mustard seeds and let it splutter. Add urad dal, asafoetida, curry leaves, chopped onion and cook until the onion becomes soft. Add the chopped cucumber, little amount of water and salt.