Vegan Mofo Day 10: White Pumpkin in Tamarind Gravy (Gummadikaya Pulusu Kura)

Microwave the chopped pumpkin with ½ cup of water & pinch of turmeric until ¾th cooked but not completely cooked, about 5-6 minutes. In a sauté pan, heat 2tbsp oil; add the tempering ingredients and once the seeds start to splutter, add onions and green chilies. Sauté until onions turn translucent. Add tomato paste, sambar powder, turmeric and ½ cup of water. Cook on medium-low flame until almost all the water evaporates. Add the cooked pumpkin along with the water; cover and cook until the veggie is completely cooked through. Add tamarind paste and jaggery and more water if the curry looks too dry. Cook for another 5 minutes. Stir in ground peanut & sesame seeds, mix well and simmer for 5 more minutes for all the flavors to meld.Serve with steamed rice and plain dal or with rotis.