Peanut Free Vegan Pumpkin Kootu
This South Indian kootu is the kind of deeply comforting, vegetable-forward dish that earns a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation. Tender pumpkin and soft chana dal come together in a thick, golden stew that's warming without being heavy, with turmeric running through every layer. The real magic is the freshly blended coconut paste — grated coconut, cumin seeds, and dried red chile ground into a coarse, fragrant mixture that gives the dish its signature body and richness. A final tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and asafoetida sizzled in coconut oil gets poured over the top, filling the kitchen with an aroma that makes it impossible to wait. Every ingredient here is naturally free from peanuts, so there's no need to scrutinize labels or swap anything out — the recipe just works as written. It's vegan, satisfying, and genuinely impressive for something that comes together in a single pot. Serve it hot over rice and watch it disappear.
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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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