Vegetarian Vegan Pumpkin Kootu
This South Indian kootu is the kind of deeply comforting dish that makes you want to cook a big pot and eat it all week. Tender pumpkin and soft chana dal come together in a thick, spoonable stew that's earthy, warming, and layered with flavor from the ground coconut paste. That paste — blended from fresh or frozen grated coconut, cumin seeds, and a dried red chile — is what sets this apart from a simple dal, giving the whole dish a rich, slightly nutty body that clings to every cube of squash. The finishing tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and asafoetida bloomed in coconut oil adds a crackly, fragrant punch that makes the whole kitchen smell incredible. Every ingredient here is naturally plant-based, so there's no need to swap or substitute a thing — it's built that way from the ground up. Serve it hot over rice or alongside flatbread for a satisfying meal that feels both nourishing and genuinely exciting to eat.
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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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