Pumpkin Palak Kootu

This pumpkin and palak kootu is a wholesome South Indian dish. It combines the sweetness of pumpkin with the earthy flavor of palak (spinach). It also features the creamy texture of green gram dal. Cooked with aromatic spices, it combines the flavors of sambar powder, turmeric, and tamarind juice. This creates a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and mildly spicy flavors. Tempered with mustard seeds, urad dal, garlic, and green chilies, this dal is a nutritious and comforting choice. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice or roti. This makes it a versatile addition to any meal.

Pumpkin Palak Kootu

Recipe by S Kamala
Course: Kootu, SidesCuisine: Indian, TamilDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes

This pumpkin and palak kootu is a nutritious South Indian dish. It blends sweet pumpkin and earthy palak with creamy green gram dal. Flavored with sambar powder, turmeric, and tamarind it offers a balance of tangy, savory, and mildly spicy tastes. Tempered with mustard seeds and garlic, it pairs well with rice or roti.

Ingredients

  • Yellow Pumpkin – a small piece

  • Palak (Spinach) – a small bunch

  • Green Gram dal – 1/4 cup

  • Tamarind – Big Gooseberry size

  • Big Onion – 1 (Medium size)

  • Tomato – 1

  • Green Chillies – 2

  • Garlic flakes – 4 (optional)

  • Sambar Powder – 2 teaspoons

  • Turmeric Powder – ¼ teaspoon

  • Salt – 1 teaspoon or as per taste

  • For Seasoning:
  • Oil – 1 tablespoon

  • Mustard – ½ teaspoon

  • Urad dhal – 1 teaspoon

  • Jeera – ½ teaspoon

Directions

  • Wash and cook the Green Gram Dal along with a pinch of turmeric powder till soft.
  • Remove the skin and seeds from the pumpkin and cut it into small pieces.
  • Wash and chop the palak roughly.
  • Chop onion and tomato finely.
  • Soak tamarind in little water and squeeze out thick juice. It should be one to two tablespoon juice.
  • In a kadai put the oil and when it is hot add mustard. When it splutters, add urad dhal and jeera. Then add finely chopped garlic flakes and green chillies slit lengthwise. Fry just for a second.
  • Add chopped onion and fry till it becomes transparent.
  • Then add tomato pieces and fry till it mashes well.
  • Add sambar powder, turmeric powder, salt and stir well.
  • Add pumpkin pieces and mix well. Add enough water just to cover the vegetable.
  • Stir well and cover with a lid. Cook on medium flame for two to three minutes or till the vegetable is soft.
  • Add chopped palak and mix well and allow to cook for few minutes.
  • Add cooked dhal and stir well. Allow to boil.
  • Then add tamarind juice and mix well.
  • Cook on low flame for two to three minutes and remove.

Recipe Video

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