This unusual and aromatic side dish of pumpkin curry and coconut milk combines the richness of oriental spices and the delicate taste of vegetables. Easy to prepare, it is suitable both for a vegetarian table and as a bright addition to meat or fish. Experienced chefs shared the recipe on the B-port portal (18+).
Ingredients (for 2-3 servings):
- Pumpkin – 300 g (peeled and seeds removed)
- Onion – 1 pc.
- Curry – 2 tsp.
- Ground cinnamon – ½ tsp.
- Coconut milk – 200 ml
- Cheese (paneer, gorgonzola or chevre) – 50 g
- Vegetable oil – for frying
Preparation:
1. Cut the peeled pumpkin into pieces and grind in a blender until it resembles rice – small, uniform grains. This will create an interesting texture and speed up the braising process.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan. Add finely chopped onion and fry over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until translucent and soft.
3. Add curry and ground cinnamon to the pan. Stir and fry with the onion for another 1-2 minutes to release the aroma of the spices and activate their essential oils.
4. Add chopped pumpkin to the pan, mix well with spices and onions. Pour in coconut milk and stir gently. The coconut base will give the dish a delicate sweet-spicy note and creamy consistency.
5. Cover the pan with a lid and simmer over medium heat for 8-10 minutes. Readiness is determined by texture: the squash should be soft but still have a slight crunch—al dente.
If you want a thicker consistency, simmer the dish longer so that some of the liquid evaporates. For a juicier option, leave in more coconut milk.
Innings:
Remove the dish from the heat and add the cheese. Paneer, an Indian curd cheese that does not melt, is ideal. If you don't have it, you can use gorgonzola for piquancy or chevre (goat cheese) for a mild sour taste. Chop the cheese into cubes or crumbles and sprinkle on top.
Serve warm – as a separate dish or paired with chicken, fish or chickpeas. The aroma of turmeric, cinnamon and coconut creates a real atmosphere of oriental cuisine, and the delicate texture of pumpkin makes the side dish especially comfortable even on cool evenings.
