South Indian Ish Butternut Squash Recipes

SOUTH INDIAN-ISH BUTTERNUT SQUASH

Steps:

• In a large skillet over high heat, warm the oil. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the black mustard seeds and as soon as they begin to pop and dance around in the oil, which should be within seconds, remove the pan from the heat. Add the curry leaves, making sure they get fully coated in the oil (there may be more popping and splattering, and that's okay!). The leaves should immediately crisp up in the residual heat. Return the pan to medium heat, add the turmeric and asafetida (if using), and stir to incorporate without breaking up the curry leaves. Add the onion and cook until it is translucent and starting to brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the butternut squash, green chiles, and coriander and stir gently just to combine (be careful not to overmix, or you'll end up with mush). Spread the vegetables in an even layer in the pan, cover, and cook until the butternut squash is tender and soft, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Add the salt, lime juice, and red chile powder and stir gently. Taste and adjust the lime juice, red chile powder, and salt, if needed, before serving.

AVIAL

Steps:

• In a large, deep skillet, add the veggies, plus a thin layer (about a centimeter or 1/3 inch) of water. Stir in the turmeric and 2 teaspoons salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then turn the heat down to medium and cook, uncovered, until you can pierce the vegetables with a fork but they are still slightly firm, 5 to 7 minutes.
• While the vegetables are cooking, combine the coconut, chiles and cumin seeds in a food processor, blender or mortar and pestle and blend or pound until coarsely ground.
• Once the vegetables are done cooking, turn the heat down to low and add the coconut mixture, yogurt and 1 cup water. Cover and cook until the vegetables are soft and fully cooked and the coconut mixture, yogurt and water have come together as a sauce, 12 to 15 minutes. Taste and add more salt, if necessary.
• Melt the coconut oil in a small saucepan or butter warmer over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and as soon as they start to pop and dance around in the oil (1 to 2 minutes max), take the pan off the heat and add the curry leaves. They will start to pop and crack, but within seconds, they'll settle down and crisp up.
• Pour the coconut oil mixture over the avial. Serve with rice.