Pumpkin (Poosanikai) Paruppu Usili

How to Prepare

1. Steam the chopped pumpkin until soft but firm (about 10-15 minutes). Set aside.
2. Grind the soaked and drained toor dal, chana dal, red chilies, asafoetida, and salt into a coarse paste without adding water.
3. Steam the ground dal mixture in a greased plate or idli mold for 10-12 minutes until cooked. Let it cool slightly.
4. Crumble the steamed dal mixture into small pieces using your hands or a fork.
5. Heat oil in a large pan, add mustard seeds, and let them splutter.
6. Add urad dal, curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida to the pan and sauté until dal turns golden.
7. Add the crumbled dal mixture to the pan and stir-fry on medium heat for 5-7 minutes until it turns slightly crispy.
8. Add the steamed pumpkin to the pan, mix gently to combine with the dal mixture, and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
9. Adjust salt if needed, garnish with fresh coriander leaves if desired, and serve hot with rice and rasam.