Sesame Free Vegan Pumpkin Kootu
This South Indian kootu is the kind of deeply comforting, plant-based dish that earns a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation. Tender pumpkin and soft chana dal come together in a thick, spoonable stew that's earthy, warming, and just a little smoky from the dried red chiles. The real magic is the fresh coconut paste — blended with cumin seeds and chile, it gets stirred in at the end to give the kootu its signature richness and body without any dairy or cream. A sizzling tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and asafoetida poured over the top adds a fragrant, crackling finish that makes the whole dish come alive. Because every component here is built from whole spices, legumes, and fresh produce, there's no need to scan labels for hidden sesame oils or tahini-based thickeners — it's naturally free of that allergen from start to finish. Serve it hot alongside steamed rice or flatbread and watch it disappear fast.
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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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