Pumpkin and Chickpea Kootu ( konda kadalai and pusanikai kootu)

Ingredients:-

• Pumpkin-1 small 
• Chick pea -1 cup
• Coconut -1/4 cup
• Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
• Dry Red Chillies- 3 or 4 + 1 (adjust according to ur spice level)
• Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
• Mustard seed -1 tsp
• Curry leaves 
• Oil

Method:-

• Soak chickpea in water overnight and Pressure Cook them till soft , about  3 whistles on high flame.
• And Cut the pumpkin into bite size pieces and cook them till 3/4 done.
• For the masala Grind the coconut,cumin and dry redchillies to a smooth paste.

• In a pan heat oil and season it with mustard seeds ,curry leaves and dry red chillies.

• Once the mustard seeds starts to crackle add the cooked chickpeas.

• Add the 3/4 cooked pumpkin.

• Now add the coconut masala.

• Mix well to incorporate the masala .

• Cook till the raw smell of the masala goes.

• And the excess water from the chickpea and pumpkin evaporates...can drizzle some oil at this stage..and switch off the flame..

• This pumpkin and chickpea kootu goes well as a side dish with rice and some spicy gravy like kara kuzhambhu, poondu kuzhambhu, Theeyal, Spicy fish curry, etc...for kids u can mix this with rice and little ghee...this curry is really yummmy ...guys if u have not tried this combo...do it ....u'll not be dissappointed... enjoy:)

Sending this to vardini's Halloween Fiesta 2011

and kerala kitchen guest hosted by khusi