Poosanikai (Ash Gourd) Kootu / Winter Melon Stew ~ Day 69

A quick, simple yet delicious stew / kootu made with winter melon, also known as ash gourd or white pumpkin.  Gram / chana dal / yellow lentil is added for protein along with lightly spiced ground coconut.  

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Preparation time: 10 minutes + 1/2 hour soaking time

Cook time: 15 minutes

Serves: 4

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Ingredients: 

• Poosanikai / Winter melon - 4 cups, Peeled and cut into cubes
• Kadalai Paruppu / Chana dal - 3/4 cup
• Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
• Asafoetida - a pinch
• Salt - to taste

To grind:

• Grated coconut - 1/2 cup
• Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
• Red or green chilies - 3 or more
• Black peppercorns - 1/2 tsp
• Ginger - a small piece

For tempering:

• Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
• Urad dal - 1 tsp
• Curry leaves - few
• Coconut oil - 2 tsp

Method:

1. Wash and soak the chana dal in water for 1/2 hour.  Cook the dal until soft, on a stove top or in a pressure cooker.
2. Grind the ingredients in the "to grind" list into a coarse paste.
3. Place the melon in a saucepan and add to just cover the melon.
4. Cook over medium heat until the melons are tender and translucent.  Add turmeric powder and the cooked dal.  Bring it to a boil.
5. Add the ground paste and salt.  Stir and cook for 2 minutes over low heat.
6. Heat oil in a small skillet, splutter mustard seeds.  Add  urad dal and fry until golden brown.  Add asafoetida and curry leaves.  Pour the tempering over kootu / stew.  Mix well
7. Serve hot with steamed rice or quinoa.