Published By: Rohit Chatterjee

Sabzi of the Day - Quick Pumpkin Recipe Ideas for Cosy Homemade Meals

The sweetness of pumpkin and its ability to absorb and enhance the flavours of spices have made it a staple vegetable in Indian households

Available year-round, pumpkin is a cultivated winter squash that has enjoyed a respectable place in Indian cuisines for ages. The sweetness of pumpkin and its ability to absorb the flavours of spices make it a versatile vegetable that can be used in curries or even to cook desserts. Not to forget, it is packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, as well as fibre and potassium. Therefore, pumpkin offers multiple health benefits and must be a part of meals often.

In the following paragraphs, we have listed a few hearty pumpkin recipes that one must try during these cosy months of winter.

Kadduki Sabzi

Cooking time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • Diced pumpkin
  • Cumin seeds
  • Grated ginger
  • Grated garlic
  • Chopped onion
  • Diced tomato
  • Garam masala
  • Turmeric powder
  • Salt

Recipe

  • In a pan, heat mustard oil and add cumin seeds.
  • Once the cumin seeds start sputtering, add grated ginger and garlic.
  • Let them cook a bit, and add onion. Allow the onions to turn golden brown and mushy.
  • Follow the same process by adding tomato.
  • Next, add the diced pumpkin and mix everything well.
  • Add garam masala, turmeric powder, and salt and mix the dish.
  • Close the lid and cook it for 30 minutes.

Credit- Instagram/howtocookthatwithsandy

Roasted Pumpkin

Cooking time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • Diced pumpkin
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Chilli powder or smoked paprika powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Barbecue sauce

Recipe

  • Dice the pumpkin and get rid of all the seeds.
  • In a bowl, mix the pumpkin with olive oil, chilli powder, and garlic powder.
  • Take an oven tray and put a parchment-paper-lined rimmed baking sheet on the surface.
  • Transfer the spice- and olive oil-coated pumpkin to the tray.
  • Bake the pumpkin at 230 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes.
  • Check if they are fork-tenders or not. If not done, bake for another 5-10 minutes.
  • Once done, drizzle a good amount of barbecue sauce on top of the roasted pumpkin.

Credit- Instagram/ @essen_paradies

Pumpkin Halwa

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • Grated seedless pumpkin
  • Milk
  • Ghee
  • Cashew
  • Almond
  • Cardamom
  • Cinnamon powder
  • Khaand or sugar
  • Milk powder

Recipe

  • Start with grating the pumpkin.
  • In a pan, crush a few cashews and almonds. Roast them slightly and keep them aside.
  • In the same pan, add a good amount of ghee.
  • Once heated, add the pumpkin and set the gas to a low flame.
  • Let the pumpkin cook, but do not let it get brown or burnt.
  • Add milk and continue stirring the pumpkin till it reaches a thick consistency.
  • Add khaand or sugar to your liking, followed by a decent amount of milk powder. Keep stirring the pumpkin.
  • Next up, add a few cardamom pods and sprinkle the cinnamon powder to enhance the dish’s flavour.
  • Once you have reached the consistency you like, garnish with the roasted almond and cashew.

Credit- Instagram/@saritachaudhary113

From sabzi to snacks and desserts, you see how versatile a pumpkin can be. We hope you will try these recipes and enjoy a sumptuous meal with your loved one.