: An Essential Pumpkin Coconut Curry For Vishu Festival
45 mins
Cooking Time
Intermediate
Difficulty
13
Ingredients
Vegan
Diet
Each Onam Sadya and Vishu festival spread must have Mathanga Erissery, a mild, comforting curry from Kerala's culinary treasure trove. Cooked till soft, this erissery recipe combines sweet, golden pumpkin with robust cowpeas and a paste of coconut, cumin, and green chilli for a touch of aroma and mild spice. With its delicate spiciness, creamy coconut flavour, and delicate balance, this dish is ideal for a Vishu Sadya, a large vegetarian feast, and goes well with rice.
Mathanga Erissery recipe is a shining example of the joy and nourishment that can be found in Indian cuisine. Cowpeas provide protein, making it filling but not heavy, while curry leaves and coconut oil give it a signature Kerala scent.
Leave the cowpeas to soak for at least one night. Drain the water, then put them in a pressure cooker with a little water and a little salt, or until tender.
Description - Step 2
Step 2: Cook the Pumpkin
Put the pumpkin cubes, turmeric, salt, and water into a pot and bring to a boil. Keep cooking until the pumpkin is soft, but not mushy.
Description - Step 3
Step 3: Make Coconut Paste
Blend together grated coconut, green chillies, and cumin seeds, adding a splash of water to achieve a coarse paste.
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Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Combine the pumpkin with the cooked cowpeas and coconut paste. Toss lightly and cook over low heat for a few minutes to let flavours combine. Season with more salt or as per taste.
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Step 5: Temper the Erissery
In a small saucepan, heat the coconut oil. Add the mustard seeds and let them sputter. Toss in some shredded coconut, curry leaves, and dried red chilli. The coconut should become a golden brown colour when frying.
Description - Step 6
Step 6: Finish the Dish
Pour the tempering mixture over the erissery and stir gently to combine. Serve hot with steaming rice as a part of Vishu Sadya.
When compared to other coconut curries from Kerala, Erissery differentiates out due to its distinctive fried coconut tempering, creamy coconut base, and subtle sweetness.
Yes. Anyone looking for a vegan or gluten-free option will find this Erissery recipe to be ideal.
Sure, all you need is pumpkin puree and coconut paste to make it. Cowpeas are optional but offer texture and protein.
Once cooled, store it in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat before eating, and if it becomes too thick, add a little water.