Vellai poosanikai kootu | White pumpkin kootu 

Poosanikai Kootu or white pumpkin kootu is a delicious traditional South Indian style kootu variety. This is a very simple recipe and can be done very quickly.Traditionally this kootu is made with Bengal gram dal only. Moreover we also add soaked raw rice while grinding the masala paste this makes the kootu thicker and well blended with the pumpkin.It is less spicy and subtle dish.It is ideal for weight loss. Check out how to make traditional poosanikai kootu or pumpkin kootu recipe below.

Ingredients

Poosanikai/White Pumpkin -2 cups chopped

Bengal gram dal-1/4 cup cooked

Mustard seeds-1/2 tsp

Urad dal-1 tsp

Cumin seeds-1/2 tsp

Red chillies-1 no

Turmeric powder-1/8 tsp

Curry leaves few

Coconut oil-2 tsps

Salt to taste

For paste

Grated coconut-1/4 cup

Green chillies- 1-2 nos

Cumin seeds-1 tsp

Soaked raw rice -1 tsp

Recipe Video

Method

👉Remove the outer skin and seeds of the pumpkin and cut the white flesh part into cubes,wash well set aside.

👉Pressure cook the Bengal gram dal with water (just enough to completely soak the dal approximately 1/2-3/4 cup) to 4-5 whistles.Drain excess water and set the cooked dal aside. Make sure you cook the dal perfectly and not mushy. 

👉Grind the ingredients given under For paste to fine paste adding very little water and set aside.

👉Now in a pressure cooker add the pumpkin, turmeric powder ,salt and 1/2-3/4 cup water and pressure cook for just 1 whistle and immediately switch off the gas.

Note (Pumpkin is a watery vegetable so be cautious while adding water)

👉Allow the pressure to subside and then open the cooker,again switch on the gas.

👉Add the ground paste and mix well.

👉Add the cooked dal and allow the kootu to boil for 2-4 mins..

👉Simultaneously heat coconut oil in a tadka pan add mustard seeds,urad dal, cumin seeds,red chillies curry leaves and asafoetida and allow it to splutter add this tempering to the poosanikai kootu and mix well. Switch off the gas.

Serve hot .

Preparation Time-20 mins

Serves-4