Poosanikkai Kootu - Pumpkin-Dhal Curry

Category: Kootu / Lunch
Preparation Time: 10 mins
Cooking Time: 20 mins
Servings: 3-4 persons

Pumpkin Kootu is a comforting and mildly spiced curry with the goodness of pumpkin and protein rich dhal. Since it is not spicy, kids will like it. If we want a spicier version, we can also add 1 tsp of sambar powder / red chilly powder. We can prepare it with moong dhal alone or combination of moong and channa dhals.

Pumpkin Kootu

Ingredients:

• Poosanikkai /Orange Pumpkin, finely chopped - 1 cup heaped
• Moong Dhal - 1/4 cup
• Channa Dhal - 2 tbsp
• Onion, finely chopped - 1/2 no 
• Tomato, finely chopped - 1 no
• Green chillies - 1-2 (Adjust as per spiciness)
• Ginger grated - 1 tsp
• Turmeric Powder - 1/4 tsp
• Salt - to taste
• Coriander leaves, finely chopped - for garnishing

For Tempering:

• Oil - 1 tsp
• Mustard seeds- 1/2 tsp
• Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp
• Curry leaves - few
• Red Chilly, broken - 1 no (Optional)

Method:

1. Wash and remove the skin of the pumpkin, chop it into fine pieces
   
2. Soak the channa dhal for 10 mins
   
3. Dry roast the moong dhal in medium flame for 3-5 mins
   
4. In a Pressure cooker, add the pumpkin pieces, chopped onion, tomato, ginger, green chillies, channa dhal, moong dhal and turmeric powder
   
5. Add enough water and pressure cook for 2-3 whistles
   
6. Once the pressure releases, open it up and mash it slightly with laddle
7. Add required salt and boil for another 4-5 mins in low flame. If its too thick, we can add little water
   
8. Meanwhile prepare the tempering in another pan; heat oil and then add mustard seeds followed by curry leaves, red chilly and finally cumin seeds
   
9. Add the tempering into the boiling kootu, mix well and simmer for another 1-2 mins
10. Switch off and Garnish with coriander leaves
    
11. Serve hot with rice!