Unlock The Flavor Of Kaddu ki Sabzi With These Simple Steps

Kaddu ki Sabzi is a spiced pumpkin curry prepared by sautéing onions, ginger-garlic, and tomatoes with pumpkin cubes. Cooked with spices and water, the pumpkin becomes tender and flavorful. Finish with garam masala and fresh coriander for garnish. Serve it warm with chapati or rice for a wholesome meal.

Kaddu ki Sabzi is a flavorful Indian pumpkin curry made with cubed pumpkin, spices, and aromatics. Start by sautéing cumin seeds in oil, then add onions, ginger-garlic paste, and green chilies until golden. Mix in chopped tomatoes and spices, followed by the pumpkin cubes. Add water and cook until the pumpkin is tender. Finish with garam masala and garnish with fresh coriander. Serve hot with chapati or rice for a delicious meal.

Ingredients:

500 grams pumpkin (kaddu), peeled and cubed
2 tablespoons cooking oil (mustard oil or vegetable oil)
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
1-2 green chilies, slit (adjust to taste)
1 medium tomato, chopped
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon coriander powder
Salt to taste
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
1/4 cup water (adjust as needed)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Pumpkin

Cleaning and Cutting:
Start by peeling the pumpkin with a vegetable peeler. Cut it into small cubes (about 1-inch pieces) to ensure even cooking. Remove any seeds.

Step 2: Cooking the Sabzi

Heating the Oil:
In a heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai, heat the oil over medium heat. Mustard oil adds a distinctive flavor, but you can use any cooking oil of your choice.
Tempering Spices:
Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds. Let them splutter for a few seconds, releasing their aroma.
Adding Onions:
Add the finely chopped onions to the pan and sauté them until they turn golden brown. This step enhances the flavor of the dish.

Step 3: Sautéing Aromatics

Incorporating Ginger-Garlic Paste:
Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
Adding Green Chilies:
Add the slit green chilies to the mixture and cook for an additional minute.

Step 4: Adding Tomatoes and Spices

Mixing in Tomatoes:
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they soften and release their juices, about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Adding Spices:
Once the tomatoes are cooked, add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook the spices for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Cooking the Pumpkin

Incorporating Pumpkin:
Add the cubed pumpkin to the spice mixture, stirring well to coat the pieces evenly with the spices.
Adding Water:
Pour in about 1/4 cup of water to prevent the sabzi from sticking to the pan. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook on low to medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Cooking Time:Cook the pumpkin for about 15-20 minutes or until it becomes soft and tender. If needed, add more water to avoid burning and to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Final Seasoning:Once the pumpkin is cooked through, sprinkle garam masala over the sabzi and mix well. This adds a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor.
Garnishing:Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. This adds freshness to the dish.

Serving Suggestions:

Accompaniments:
Kaddu ki Sabzi can be served hot with chapati, roti, or paratha. It pairs well with rice and dal as well.

Tips:

Adjust Spice Levels: You can adjust the level of spices according to your preference. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of green chilies and red chili powder.
Adding Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes or peas for a mixed vegetable dish.
Sweetness: Some variations include adding a pinch of sugar or jaggery to balance the flavors, especially if the pumpkin is too savory.

Enjoy your delicious Kaddu ki Sabzi a comforting and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any meal.