Citrus Free Vegan Pumpkin Kootu
This South Indian kootu is the kind of deeply comforting, plant-based dish that proves simple ingredients can deliver serious depth. Tender chana dal and soft pumpkin come together in a thick, spoonable stew that feels hearty 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 gets stirred right into the pot, thickening everything naturally and giving the dish a rich, slightly nutty backbone. No citrus of any kind appears here, so there's no need to swap anything out or second-guess a single step. The finish is a classic tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and asafoetida bloomed in coconut oil, poured sizzling over the top for that unmistakable crackle of flavor. Serve it hot over rice or alongside flatbread and it becomes a full, satisfying meal that's as nourishing as it is genuinely delicious.
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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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