Nutmeg Free Vegan Pumpkin Kootu
This South Indian kootu is the kind of dish that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about pumpkin. Tender chana dal and sweet, fork-soft pumpkin come together in a thick, spoonable stew that's deeply savory and genuinely satisfying. The coconut paste — blended with cumin seeds and dried red chile — gives the whole thing a coarse, fragrant richness that feels nothing like a shortcut. Then comes the tempering: mustard seeds popping in hot coconut oil, crisp curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida poured right over the top for that unmistakable finishing sizzle. Every component is straightforward and naturally free of the warming spice that tends to sneak into squash-based recipes, so the clean, earthy flavors of the pumpkin and dal actually get to shine. It's a fully plant-based dish that doesn't ask you to compromise on depth or comfort, and it's the kind of thing you'll want to make on repeat through squash season.
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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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