White Pumpkin and Tamarind Curry
A tangy South Asian curry made with white pumpkin (ash gourd) and tamarind, prepared using the traditional chahkee (tempering) method. The pumpkin is fried before being simmered in a tamarind-infused broth.
Ingredients
- 0.25 medium pumpkin (about 1 lb) White pumpkin (ash gourd), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (Also known as ash gourd or winter melon)
- 2 tablespoons Tamarind pulp (From 2-3 tamarinds, or use prepared tamarind paste)
- 1.5 cups Water (For dissolving tamarind and cooking)
- 2 tablespoons Cooking oil or ghee (For frying the pumpkin)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground turmeric (Optional, for color and flavor)
- 0.5 teaspoon Red chili powder (Optional, adjust to taste)
More recipes using White pumpkin
Indian
White Pumpkin Curry, Plain, Cut Small
A simple white pumpkin curry prepared with small-cut pieces, following the same method as the tamarind version but without the tamarind for a milder, plain preparation.
Indian
White Pumpkin/Kumbalangya Curry
A traditional Indian curry featuring white pumpkin and tuvar dal, cooked with spices and coconut for a rich, flavorful dish.
Instructions
- 1Dissolve the tamarind pulp in 1.5 cups of warm water. Strain to remove any seeds or fibers, and set aside.
- 2Peel the white pumpkin, remove seeds, and cut into 1-inch cubes. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- 3Heat oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add the pumpkin cubes and fry, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned on the edges and partially cooked, about 8-10 minutes.
- 4Add salt, turmeric, and chili powder to the fried pumpkin. Stir well to coat the pumpkin pieces evenly with the spices.
- 5Pour the prepared tamarind water over the fried pumpkin. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the pumpkin is tender and the flavors have melded, about 12-15 minutes.
- 6Check seasoning and adjust salt if needed. The curry should have a tangy, slightly thick consistency. Serve hot with rice or flatbread.
