Description
Pumpkin Erissery is a comforting Kerala dish that combines pumpkin with coconut, cumin, and a tempered mixture of mustard seeds, chili, curry leaves, and toasted coconut. This side dish is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and mildly spicy flavors, traditionally served as part of a “sadya” feast.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pumpkin or winter squash (pie pumpkin, kabocha, or butternut)
- 1/2 cup grated fresh or frozen coconut
- 1–2 green chilies (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 cup water (for blending)
- Salt to taste
For Tempering:
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 small shallot or 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 dried red chili (optional)
- A few fresh curry leaves
- 1–2 tbsp grated coconut (for toasting)
Instructions
- Cook the Pumpkin:
- Peel and cube the pumpkin or squash into small pieces. Cook in a pan with a little water, covered, over medium heat until soft (about 10-12 minutes). Mash to your desired texture.
- Make the Coconut Paste:
- Blend grated coconut, green chilies, and cumin seeds with 1/2 cup water into a coarse paste. Set aside.
- Combine Pumpkin and Coconut Paste:
- Mix the coconut paste into the cooked pumpkin. Add salt and simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Tempering:
- Heat coconut oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle. Add shallots or onion, dried red chili (if using), and curry leaves. Sauté until the onions are golden. Add grated coconut and toast until lightly browned.
- Finish the Dish:
- Pour the tempered mixture over the pumpkin and coconut blend. Mix gently.
- Serve:
- Serve warm as a side dish with rice or enjoy on its own.
Notes
- Adjust the number of green chilies according to your spice preference.
- You can use any type of winter squash if pumpkin is not available.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian (Kerala)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 232 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0g