White pumpkin kootu

A typical south indian preparation using lentils, vegetables, tamarind and coconut.
Ingredients
- White pumpkin - 200 gms
- Tamarind water - 1/4 cup
- Tur dal - 1 cup
- Oil - 2 tablespoons
- Salt to taste
- 1 string of curry leaves
- Chana dal - 3 teaspoons
- Udid dal - 3 teaspoons
- Whole black pepper - 7 to 8 nos
- Dry red chillies - 5 nos
- Grated coconut - 4 tablespoons
- Mustard seeds - 1 teaspoon
- A pinch of asafoetida
- Peanuts - 1/4 cup
Method
Step 1
Peel and cut white pumpkin into medium pieces. Boil them with enough water and keep aside.
Step 2
Boil tur dal till soft. Mash lightly and set aside.
Step 3
Heat oil in a kadai. Stir fry chana dal, udid dal, black pepper, red chillies till dals turn light brown. Add grated coconut and stir fry for 15 seconds and switch off the flame.
Step 4
Grind the above masala with little water to make smooth paste.
Step 5
Heat a heavy bottomed vessel. Add tamarind water.
Step 6
Boil till the raw smell of tamarind goes away.
Step 7
Add ground masala, boiled pumpkin pieces, salt, curry leaves and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on a low flame by stirring well. Add mashed tur dal and little water and boil for another 5 minutes. Bring the curry to a medium consistency.
Step 8
Heat oil in a tadka pan. Add asafoetida, mustard seeds. Allow mustard seeds to splutter. Add peanuts and stir fry till light brown.
Step 9
Add to the kootu and serve hot with rice.
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