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Many people love having meals that are both tasty and healthy during the autumn season. This time of year brings the richness of nature, and people often want warm and comforting foods that suit the season. Pumpkins, with their natural sweetness and ability to blend well with different ingredients, are a great choice for autumn.
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Across India, there are many regional dishes that use pumpkin in unique ways, combining spices and other ingredients to create meals that are both delicious and healthy. Whether in savoury curries or sweet desserts, these pumpkin dishes are perfect for cosy autumn meals, bringing warmth and comfort to your table.
Parangikai Pachadi
Parangikai pachadi is a traditional dish from Kerala made with boiled pumpkin, coconut, and yoghurt. This dish has a lovely balance of sweetness and tanginess, with the pumpkin offering a natural sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the tang of the yoghurt. Mustard seeds and curry leaves are used for tempering, which adds a fragrant aroma to the dish. It is typically served as a side dish with rice and is a simple yet flavourful addition to any meal.
Mathanga Pulinkari
Mathanga puli is a vibrant and flavourful curry from Kerala in South India that uses pumpkin cooked in a tangy tamarind sauce. The combination of the slightly sweet pumpkin with the sourness of the tamarind creates a balanced dish that is both refreshing and hearty. Spices like chillies, turmeric, and mustard seeds kick the dish, making it perfect to serve with rice or chapati. It’s an ideal dish for those cool autumn afternoons when you want something warm and comforting.
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Manjal Poosanikai Sambar
Manjal poosanikai sambar is a South Indian staple made with yellow pumpkin and toor dal. The dish is seasoned with tamarind and spices like coriander and cumin and tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves. This sambar is hearty and filling, and it pairs beautifully with steamed rice. The sweetness of the pumpkin complements the tangy tamarind and the richness of the lentils, making it a nutritious choice for autumn lunches or dinners.
Lal Bhoplyachi Bhaji
Lal bhoplyachi bhaji is a simple and delicious pumpkin sabzi from the Goan cuisine. This dish highlights the natural sweetness of the pumpkin, which is cooked with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. It’s a light yet flavourful dish that can be served as a side with rice or flatbread. The minimal use of spices allows the flavour of the pumpkin to shine through, making it a perfect autumn meal.
Kerala Kootu Curry
Kootu curry is a nutritious dish from Kerala that combines pumpkin with desi channa (black-eyed beans) in a spicy coconut gravy. The dish is both hearty and wholesome, thanks to the protein-packed beans and the sweetness of the pumpkin. The coconut gravy adds richness to the dish, making it a comforting option for autumn dinners. Serve it with rice or roti, and you have a balanced, filling meal.
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Kumror Posto
Kumror posto is a Bengali delicacy that showcases pumpkins cooked with poppy seeds and tomatoes. This dish has a rich, creamy texture due to the ground poppy seeds, which add a unique flavour to the sweet pumpkin. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural flavours to stand out, making Kumror posto a must-try dish during autumn. It’s usually paired with rice and is a staple in many Bengali households.
Image Credits: Adobe Stock
Parangikai Payasam
Parangikai payasam is a sweet and festive dessert from Tamil Nadu. Made with grated pumpkin, rice, and coconut milk and flavoured with cardamom, this payasam is rich and creamy. It’s often garnished with nuts like cashews or almonds, adding a crunchy texture to the dish. Parangikai payasam is traditionally made during festivals but is a wonderful dessert for any autumn evening when you want something sweet and comforting.
Kuvalyacho Pollav
Kuvalyacho pollav is a traditional Mangalorean Catholics’ curry made with yellow pumpkins. The pumpkin is cooked with ground onions, spices, and coconut, giving the dish a slightly sweet and aromatic flavour. The creamy coconut base complements the natural sweetness of the pumpkin, making this dish a warm and comforting choice for autumn. Serve it with steamed rice for a satisfying meal that reflects the rich culinary traditions of Mangalore.
