Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare Toor Dal

   Rinse the Toor Dal well and soak it in water for 20 minutes.

2. 2.Roast Moong Dal

   Rinse the Moong Dal well and roast it in a pressure cooker for 2 minutes on medium flame. Do not allow it to change color.

3. 3.Cook Dal

   Add the soaked Toor Dal (with its water) and a little more water to the roasted Moong Dal. Close the pressure cooker and allow it to cook for 3 whistles.

4. 4.Mix Cooked Dal

   Once the pressure is released, open the cooker and give the cooked dal a good mix.

5. 5.Prepare Pumpkin

   Take 1 slice of red pumpkin, remove its outer skin, and cut it into cubes.

6. 6.Cook Pumpkin with Spices

   Place the pumpkin cubes in a pan. Add 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder, 1 tbsp Sambar Powder, 1/2 tsp Pepper Powder, and 1/2 tsp Salt. Add a little water and let it boil for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pumpkin becomes soft.

7. 7.Combine Dal and Pumpkin

   Once the pumpkin is soft, add the boiled Moong Dal and Toor Dal mixture to the pan. Give it a good mix and let it cook for 2 minutes.

8. 8.Prepare Coconut Paste

   In a mixer grinder, combine 1/4 shell grated coconut, 1 green chili, and 1 tsp cumin seed. Add a little water and grind to a fine paste.

9. 9.Add Coconut Paste to Kootu

   Add the prepared coconut paste and an additional 1/4 tsp salt to the cooking kootu. Stir well to combine and let it cook for another 2 minutes.

10. 10.Prepare Tempering

    In a separate small pan, heat 5 tbsp of coconut oil. Add 1/2 tsp mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add 1 tsp urad dal, 1 red chili, a few curry leaves, and 3 tbsp grated coconut. Sauté well on low flame (simmer) until the ingredients turn golden brown.

11. 11.Finish Kootu

    Pour the prepared tempering over the kootu in the pan. Mix it well.

12. 12.Serve

    The Kerala Style Red Pumpkin Kootu is now ready to serve. Enjoy it with rice and fried papad.