Kaddu ki Sabzi (Pumpkin Sabzi)

Name: Kaddu Ki Sabzi | Indian Pumpkin Stir Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 lbs pumpkin (kaddu, peeled and cubed); 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds; 1 whole dry red Kashmiri Chili (broken into half); 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon coriander powder; 1/4 teaspoon amchur powder; 1/2 teaspoon garam masala (optional); pinch of asafoetida; Salt to taste; 2 tablespoons cooking oil; Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

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Kaddu ki sabzi is a delightful Indian dish featuring pumpkin, spices, and herbs. It's simple to prepare and pairs perfectly with rice, quinoa, roti, poori, or even bread. This recipe uses basic pantry staples, and can be made with pre-cut pumpkin. You can make this in just about 25 minutes!

Savor the flavors of North India with this delectable Kaddu Ki Sabzi! A perfect blend of sweet and savory, this pumpkin curry is sure to warm your soul.

Pumpkins are packed with nutrients and are available year-round, so we use them frequently at home. I usually buy a whole pumpkin and use it to prepare a variety of dishes, such as pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin banana bread, pumpkin chocolate babka, and this pumpkin curry.

This kaddu ki sabzi has a mild flavors, and the perfect balance of sweetness from the tender pumpkin. It's cooked over low heat, allowing the pumpkin to absorb all the wonderful aromas from the spices.

In India, kaddu ki sabzi is prepared in a variety of ways. It's a popular vegetable during religious fasting, which is why many people avoid using onions, ginger, or garlic in this pumpkin dish.

I make this dish not for special occasions but for our everyday meals, so I include onions and garlic. Sometimes, I use only tomatoes instead of onions, and other times, I use both. It turns out wonderfully either way! However, cooking the kaddu on low heat is what truly makes this dish delicious.

You can substitute butternut squash with pumpkin, in this Butternut Squash Bharta.

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What Is Kaddu Ki Sabzi
Ingredients For Kaddu Ki Sabzi
How to make Kaddu ki Sabzi (Stepwise Photos)
Storage
Tips For Pumpkin Veg Recipes
FAQ's
Pair Kaddu Ki Sabzi With
Kaddu Ki Sabzi | Indian Pumpkin Stir Fry
Indian Stir Fry Recipes

What Is Kaddu Ki Sabzi

Kaddu Ki Sabzi is a popular North Indian vegetarian dish made from pumpkin (kaddu in Hindi). It is a simple and flavorful dish typically prepared with pieces of pumpkin cooked in a aromatic Indian spices.

The dish is known for its sweet and savory flavor profile, as the natural sweetness of the pumpkin complements the spices and seasonings used in the preparation.

Kaddu Ki Sabzi is a popular choice in Indian households, particularly during the fall and winter seasons when pumpkins are abundant.

Its mild sweetness and spiciness make it a versatile option that pairs well with various Indian bread like roti or paratha, as well as poori.

Whether you enjoy it as a side dish or a main course, Kaddu Ki Sabzi is a beloved classic in Indian cuisine that offers a delightful culinary experience.

Ingredients For Kaddu Ki Sabzi

Here's a description of the main ingredients used in making Kaddu Ki Sabzi:

Pumpkin (Kaddu): Pumpkin is the star ingredient of this dish. It has a sweet and slightly nutty flavor. In Kaddu Ki Sabzi, the pumpkin is peeled, seeded, and cut into cubes before cooking. It adds a natural sweetness to the dish.

Mustard Seeds: Mustard seeds are used for tempering at the beginning of the cooking process. They release a nutty and earthy flavor when heated in oil.

Spices: Various spices are used to season the dish. These include turmeric powder, red chili powder (for spiciness), coriander powder, amchur powder, and garam masala (a blend of warming spices).

Salt: Salt is used to enhance the flavors of the dish and balance the sweetness of the pumpkin.

Oil: Cooking oil, usually a neutral oil like vegetable oil, is used for sautéing the spices and for cooking the pumpkin.

Fresh Cilantro Leaves: Fresh cilantro leaves are used as a garnish. They add a burst of freshness and a mild herbal flavor to the finished dish.

These ingredients come together to create a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in Kaddu Ki Sabzi, making it a delicious and comforting vegetarian curry. The combination of spices and the natural sweetness of the pumpkin make it a popular choice in Indian cuisine.

How to make Kaddu ki Sabzi (Stepwise Photos)

Step 1: Heat oil in a pan or kadai over medium heat. Add mustard seeds, asafoetida, and broken dry red chili. Allow the seeds to splutter.

Step 2: Add the cubed pumpkin pieces and sauté for few minutes.

Step 3: Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and sauté for a few more minutes until the spices are well coated.

Step 4: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the pumpkin cook for about 15-20 minutes or until it becomes soft and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Once the pumpkin is cooked, add garam masala (optional) and mix well. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish the Kaddu Ki Sabzi with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with roti (Indian flatbread), paratha, or poori

Pic Below: Step-by-Step How To Make Pumpkin Sabzi

Storage

To store Kaddu Ki Sabzi, transfer any leftover curry to an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Tips For Pumpkin Veg Recipes

Here are some tips to help you make delicious Kaddu Ki Sabzi:

Choose the Right Pumpkin: Select a ripe, sweet, and tender pumpkin for the best results. Look for one that feels heavy for its size and has a vibrant orange or yellow color.

Uniform Cubes: When cutting the pumpkin into cubes, try to make them as uniform in size as possible. This ensures that the pumpkin cooks evenly.

Adjust Spices: Adjust the amount of spices, especially red chili powder, to suit your spice tolerance. You can make the dish milder or spicier as per your preference.

Tempering: Properly tempering the mustard seeds at the beginning of the cooking process is important. It releases its aromatic flavors into the oil, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Low Heat: Once you add the pumpkin to the spices, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. This slow-cooking process allows the pumpkin to become tender without losing its shape.

Stir Occasionally: While cooking the pumpkin, remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensure even cooking.

Balance Sweetness: If the pumpkin is not very sweet, you can add a bit of sugar or jaggery to enhance the sweetness of the dish. Taste and adjust as needed.

Garnish: Fresh cilantro leaves make a great garnish for Kaddu Ki Sabzi. They add a burst of freshness and color to the dish.

With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to preparing a delicious and satisfying Kaddu Ki Sabzi that suits your taste preferences.

FAQ's

Is kaddu a pumpkin?

Yes, "kaddu" is the Hindi word for pumpkin. It refers to the round or elongated, usually orange or yellowish vegetable commonly used in Indian cuisine to make dishes like Kaddu Ki Sabzi.

How many calories in a Kaddu Ki Sabzi?

The number of calories in a serving of Kaddu Ki Sabzi can vary depending on the specific recipe and portion size. On average, a 1-cup (about 240-250 grams) serving of Kaddu Ki Sabzi typically contains around 80-100 calories, but this can vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

How to make pumpkin curry north Indian style?

To make North Indian-style pumpkin curry, start by tempering cumin seeds in hot oil, then add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden. Add minced ginger, garlic, and spices like turmeric, red chili powder, and coriander powder, followed by cubed pumpkin and chopped tomatoes. Cook until the pumpkin is tender and the oil separates, then garnish with garam masala and fresh cilantro before serving with rice or roti. Adjust the spices and seasonings to your taste preferences.