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Bengali people have a deep affection for pumpkins, or "kumro," as they are called. Like potatoes, Bengalis have a stable relationship with pumpkins. This vegetable is definitely a seasonal pleasure, and its versatility makes it a popular component in Bengali cooking. A cornerstone of many traditional recipes—from informal dinners to holiday get-togethers—pumpkin makes an appearance and tastes even better than the one before.
Many kumro dishes in Bengal highlight the taste of the local cuisine. These recipes showcase the many flavours and textures of pumpkin, which range from easy stir-fries to intricate curries. Kumro recipes provide a delicious culinary experience that is profoundly established in Bengali culture, whether they are prepared with aromatic spices, partnered with other vegetables, or combined with lentils.
6 Bengali Dishes You Can Prepare With Pumpkin
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1. Kumro Chenchki
Bengali kumro chenchki is a delightful stir-fry that brings out the best in pumpkin. To prepare this dish, start by heating vegetable oil in a kadhai. Add panch phoron and dried red chillies, letting them sizzle for a few seconds. Then, add ginger paste and sauté until fragrant. After stirring the pumpkin pieces for a few minutes, you need to add the sugar, salt, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and chilli powder. Pour in the water, cover, and cook until the pumpkin is soft but not mushy. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with dal, luchi, or puris for a traditional Bengali meal.
2. Kumror Chokka
Bengali cuisine is known for its sweet and savoury pumpkin curry, known as Kumror Chokka. This recipe has a distinct texture and flavour thanks to the addition of freshly grated coconut and black beans while cooking the pumpkin and potatoes. To make Kumror Chokka, heat mustard oil until it smokes, then add dried red chilli and paanch phoron.
Add the diced potatoes and stir until slightly browned. Add chickpeas, ginger, and spice powders, cooking for a few minutes before adding the pumpkin, fresh chillies, sugar, and salt. Cover and cook until the vegetables are tender, then add grated coconut, ghee, and bhaja moshla. Serve this comforting dish with parathas or pooris for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
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3. Kumro Palak
Kumro Palak is a simple yet flavourful dish that combines pumpkin with spinach. This vegetarian side dish is perfect for a cosy winter night. Begin by heating mustard oil and adding bay leaves, fennel seeds, and cumin seeds. Once they sizzle, add thinly sliced onions and sauté with salt and turmeric.
Add pumpkin chunks and spices, stirring well before adding a little water and covering to simmer until the pumpkin is cooked but still firm. Finally, add chopped spinach and cook for a few more minutes, finishing with a drizzle of ghee. Serve Kumro Palak with steamed rice for a nutritious and delicious meal.
4. Mishti Kumro Bhorta
Mishti kumro bhorta is a mashed pumpkin curry that is rich in flavour and perfect as a side dish for rotis or rice. To prepare this dish, cook peeled and chopped butternut squash in mustard oil with turmeric and salt until soft. Sauté garlic and onions in the same pan, then add the cooked squash back in along with salt, red chilli powder, and sugar. Mash the ingredients together, adding fresh coriander and lemon juice for extra flavour. A drizzle of raw mustard oil completes this robust and tasty bhorta, ideal for a simple yet satisfying meal with luchi, steamed rice, or paratha.
5. Kumro Saag Chhochori
Kumro saag chhochori is a dry curry made with squash greens and a variety of vegetables. This dish is a testament to the Bengali love for chhochori, a style of cooking that involves slow-cooking vegetables with minimal spices. To make kumro saag chhochori, heat mustard oil and fry bodi until golden brown. In the same pan, temper with bay leaf, asafetida, red chillies, and panch phoron. Add chopped greens, green chillies, and squash, cooking until the greens reduce. Add potatoes, tomatoes, and fried bodi, then cook until all the vegetables are tender. Finish with ginger paste, water, sugar, flour, and ghee, and serve with steamed rice and dal for a wholesome meal.
6. Kumro Bhaja
Kumro bhaja is a simple and delicious fried pumpkin dish that is a favourite snack in Bengal. To prepare the bhaja, cut the pumpkin into thin slices and rub it with turmeric and salt. Mix the slices with cumin and coriander powder, red chilli powder, and Maggi noodle masala, then sprinkle with flour. Heat oil in a pan and deep fry the pumpkin slices until golden brown and crispy. Serve Kumro Bhaja hot as a snack or side dish, perfect for adding a crunchy texture to any meal.
Pumpkin, or kumro, is an integral part of Bengali cuisine, offering a wide array of delicious dishes. From the savoury kumro chenchki and kumro palak to the sweet and comforting mishti kumro bhorta, these recipes showcase the versatility and flavour of this humble vegetable. Whether it's a festive meal or a simple family dinner, these pumpkin dishes bring a touch of Bengali tradition to the table.
