Pumpkin Erissery

The method

Step by step

Written for first-time cooks — every quantity, timing and cue is spelled out.

1. 01

   Get your tools and everything ready

   Keep these ready before you switch on the gas: chopping board, knife, measuring spoons, measuring cups, mixing bowl, kadhai/wok, stirring spoon/spatula, serving bowl. Wash, peel and chop everything in the list above and line the bowls next to the stove. Indian cooking moves fast once the pan is hot, so having it all within arm's reach is what keeps a first-timer calm.

2. 02

   Step 1

   Pressure cook soaked red cowpea/kala chana till soft. Keep the flame on medium unless the step says low, stir every 20-30 seconds so nothing catches at the bottom, and taste before moving on — salt goes in a pinch at a time.

3. 03

   Step 2

   Cook pumpkin cubes with turmeric, chilli and little water till tender. Keep the flame on medium unless the step says low, stir every 20-30 seconds so nothing catches at the bottom, and taste before moving on — salt goes in a pinch at a time.

4. 04

   Step 3

   Grind coconut with jeera and green chilli; stir in and simmer 5 min. Keep the flame on medium unless the step says low, stir every 20-30 seconds so nothing catches at the bottom, and taste before moving on — salt goes in a pinch at a time.

5. 05

   Step 4

   Roast coconut in coconut oil till dark brown with mustard and curry leaves. Keep the flame on medium unless the step says low, stir every 20-30 seconds so nothing catches at the bottom, and taste before moving on — salt goes in a pinch at a time.

6. 06

   Step 5

   Pour the roasted coconut over the curry and cover 2 min. Keep the flame on medium unless the step says low, stir every 20-30 seconds so nothing catches at the bottom, and taste before moving on — salt goes in a pinch at a time.

7. 07

   Taste, finish and serve

   Turn off the heat and taste once more: flat means a pinch more salt, heavy means a squeeze of lemon. Serve hot. Serves 4 — use the serving selector above to scale every quantity.