Durga Puja Special Kumror Chokka: A Bengali Style Pumpkin Preparation

By Devi Poojari

October 11, 2023

Image Credit: Archana's Kitchen

A delicious traditional recipe of braised pumpkin and Bengal gram, this dry preparation features on most menus for special occasions. Pair it with hot luchis for the perfect meal.

Image Credit: Tarla Dalal

INGREDIENTS

500 grams sweet pumpkin, diced 1 cup potatoes, cubed ¼ cup Bengal gram, soaked overnight ¼ cup grated coconut 2 bay leaves 2 dried red chillies 2 green chillies, slit 1 teaspoon panch phoron 2 teaspoons ginger paste 1 teaspoon cumin powder ½ teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon red chilli powder 1 teaspoon bhaja masala 2 teaspoons ghee 2 tablespoons mustard oil 1 pinch asafoetida Salt, to taste

Image Credit: Atanur Rannaghar Recipe Book

METHOD

Combine the ginger paste, spice powders and asafoetida in a bowl with some water to make a paste.

Image Credit: Cooking With Sapana

METHOD

Heat the mustard oil in a pan until it is smoky before adding in the pumpkin and sautéing it on all sides on a high flame.

Image Credit: Rumki's Golden Spoon

METHOD

Remove and set aside; add both the types of chillies, bay leaves and panch phoron to the oil leftover in the pan and let it temper.

Image Credit: Flickr

METHOD

Add the potatoes to the tempering and sauté for 3-4 minutes, seasoning with a bit of salt.

Image Credit: The Cooking Mama

METHOD

Add the soaked Bengal gram, followed by the coconut and cook for another couple of minutes.

Image Credit: Bong Eats

METHOD

Add the spice paste to the potatoes along with a bit of water and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.

Image Credit: PxHere

METHOD

Add the pumpkin to the mixture and adjust the amount of cooking liquid and seasoning, if necessary.

Image Credit: Maayeka

METHOD

Cook the vegetables on a low flame until soft but firm to touch and all the cooking liquid has been absorbed.

Image Credit: Veganbell

METHOD

Sprinkle the bhaja masala once the cooking is complete and serve hot with luchis or puri.

Image Credit: Occasionally Eggs 

Image Credit: Chandrima Sarkar