Beef Free Vegan Pumpkin Kootu
This South Indian kootu is the kind of deeply comforting, plant-based dish that makes you wonder why you ever leaned on anything else for a hearty weeknight meal. Tender pumpkin and soft chana dal come together in a thick, golden stew that's warming without being heavy. The real magic is in the freshly blended coconut paste — grated coconut, cumin, and dried red chile ground into a coarse, fragrant mixture that gives the kootu its signature body and subtle heat. A final tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and asafoetida bloomed in coconut oil gets poured right over the top, sending up an incredible aroma and layering in one last hit of flavor. Every component here is naturally free from any animal products, so there's nothing to swap or second-guess — just straightforward, honest ingredients doing exactly what they're supposed to do. Serve it hot over rice or alongside flatbread and it becomes a genuinely satisfying centerpiece, not just a side.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the dal
- ½ cup chana dal (split chickpeas), rinsed
- 1 ½ cups water
- ¼ tsp turmeric
For the pumpkin
- 1 lb pumpkin or kabocha squash, peeled and cut into ¾-inch cubes (about 3 cups)
- ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- ½ cup water
For the coconut paste
- ½ cup fresh or frozen grated coconut
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 dried red chile
- 3 tbsp water
For the tempering
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 dried red chile
- 10 fresh curry leaves
- 1 pinch asafoetida (hing)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the chana dal, 1 1/2 cups water, and 1/4 tsp turmeric in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a steady simmer, cover partially, and cook for 20–25 minutes, until the dal is completely tender and most of the water is absorbed. The grains should be soft throughout but still hold their shape.
- 2
While the dal cooks, blend the grated coconut, cumin seeds, dried red chile, and 3 tbsp water in a blender or food processor until a coarse, slightly grainy paste forms, about 30–45 seconds. Set aside.
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