Turkey Free Vegan Pumpkin Kootu
This South Indian kootu is the kind of deeply satisfying, plant-based dish that makes you wonder why you don't cook with pumpkin more often. Tender chana dal and fork-soft pumpkin come together in a thick, golden stew that's warming without being heavy. The real magic is 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. Everything finishes with a sizzling tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and asafoetida bloomed in coconut oil, which gets poured right over the top for an aromatic hit that ties the whole dish together. Every single ingredient here is naturally free of poultry in any form, so there's no label-checking or substitution gymnastics required — just honest, whole-food cooking from start to finish. Serve it hot over rice or alongside flatbread, and don't be surprised if it disappears 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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