Khatta Meetha Kaddu
A delightful North Indian pumpkin dish with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. This simple sabzi, often enjoyed during festivals, pairs wonderfully with hot puris or rotis.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
- b.Heat mustard oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat until it's slightly smoking. This removes the pungent smell of the oil.
- c.Reduce the heat to low. Carefully add the fenugreek seeds and sauté for 30-45 seconds until they turn a deep reddish-brown and become fragrant. Do not let them burn, as they will turn bitter.
- d.Add the asafoetida and broken dried red chilies. Sauté for another 10-15 seconds.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Spices
- b.Add the grated ginger and slit green chilies to the pan. Sauté for about 1 minute until the raw aroma of ginger disappears.
- c.Keeping the heat low, add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Stir continuously for 30 seconds until the spices are fragrant and well-cooked.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Pumpkin
- b.Immediately add the cubed pumpkin and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure the pumpkin pieces are evenly coated with the spice mixture.
- c.Pour in 1/4 cup of water, stir, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- d.Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low to medium heat for 12-15 minutes. Stir every 4-5 minutes to prevent sticking. The pumpkin is cooked when it is tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Add Sweet and Tangy Flavors
- b.Once the pumpkin is tender, add the grated jaggery and dry mango powder.
- c.Stir well to combine. Using the back of your spoon, gently mash about one-third of the pumpkin pieces. This helps to thicken the dish and create a cohesive, semi-dry texture.
- d.Cook uncovered for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the jaggery to dissolve completely and the flavors to meld together.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the garam masala and freshly chopped coriander leaves over the sabzi.
- c.Give it a final gentle mix. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle.
- d.Serve hot with puris, rotis, or parathas.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, use mustard oil and heat it until it's lightly smoking before adding spices.
- 2Choose a pumpkin with bright orange flesh, like red pumpkin, as it's naturally sweeter and cooks down beautifully.
- 3Do not add too much water at the beginning. Pumpkin releases its own moisture as it cooks.
- 4Slightly mashing some of the cooked pumpkin is key to achieving the perfect semi-dry consistency.
- 5If you don't have jaggery, you can use brown sugar or regular sugar as a substitute.
- 6For a different tangy note, replace dry mango powder with 1 tablespoon of tamarind pulp mixed with a little water.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein-Rich
Add 1 cup of boiled black chickpeas (kala chana) along with the pumpkin to make the dish more wholesome and filling.
Punjabi StylePunjabi Style
Sauté 1 finely chopped onion after the tempering until golden brown, then add 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste before adding the powdered spices for a richer base.
No Onion No GarlicNo Onion No Garlic
This recipe is naturally sattvic (no onion or garlic), making it perfect for religious festivals and fasting days.
Different SweetenerDifferent Sweetener
Instead of jaggery, you can use 1-2 tablespoons of date and tamarind chutney (meethi chutney) for a complex sweet and sour flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin A
Pumpkin is an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A. This vitamin is crucial for good vision, a healthy immune system, and skin health.
Aids Digestion
The dish contains high fiber from pumpkin and digestive spices like ginger, asafoetida, and fenugreek seeds, which help promote healthy digestion and prevent constipation.
Boosts Immunity
Loaded with Vitamin C and antioxidants from pumpkin, along with the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric, this dish can help strengthen your immune system.
Heart Healthy
Pumpkin is rich in potassium, fiber, and Vitamin C, all of which support heart health. This recipe uses minimal oil and is free from cholesterol.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is a very healthy dish. Pumpkin is low in calories and rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, particularly Vitamin A and Vitamin C. The use of minimal oil and wholesome Indian spices adds to its health benefits.