White Pumpkin Mor Kuzhambu Recipe – Kerala Style White Pumpkin Curry
Dive into the delightful world of Kerala cuisine with this easy-to-make White Pumpkin Mor Kuzhambu, a tangy and aromatic curry that pairs beautifully with steamed rice. This dish features the subtle sweetness of white pumpkin, combined with the creamy texture of yogurt and the rich flavors of coconut, making it a perfect accompaniment for your lunch table. Let’s explore this wonderful recipe that captures the essence of Kerala’s vibrant culinary tradition.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Curd (Dahi/Yogurt) – thick | 1 ½ cups |
| Fresh coconut | ½ cup |
| Vellai Poosanikai (Ash gourd) | 1 cup (cubed) |
| Green Chillies | 4 (adjust for spice preference) |
| Black pepper powder | ¼ teaspoon |
| Water | ⅓ cup |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | ¼ teaspoon |
| Salt | to taste |
| Coconut Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds | ¼ teaspoon |
| Methi Seeds (Fenugreek seeds) | ¼ teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Dry Red Chilli | 1 (optional, for tempering) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Total Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 3 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Servings | 2 |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the White Pumpkin
To begin crafting your White Pumpkin Mor Kuzhambu, the first step involves cooking the pumpkin. In a pressure cooker, add the cubed white pumpkin along with a splash of water, and pressure cook for 2 whistles. Once done, immediately release the pressure by running the cooker under cold water, which ensures the pumpkin retains its tenderness and flavor. Set aside.
Step 2: Preparing the Curd Mixture
In a mixing bowl, take the thick curd (dahi/yogurt) and whisk it together with ⅓ cup of water until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps present. This curd mixture serves as the base of your Mor Kuzhambu.
Step 3: Making the Kuzhambu Paste
Next, transfer the fresh grated coconut, green chillies, and black pepper powder into a mixer grinder. Blend these ingredients with a splash of water until you achieve a smooth paste. This fragrant Kuzhambu paste is crucial for imparting flavor to the dish.
Step 4: Combining Ingredients
Once your Kuzhambu paste is ready, gently fold it into the prepared curd mixture, mixing thoroughly to combine. Then, add the turmeric powder, cooked white pumpkin, and salt to taste. Stir everything together until well incorporated.
Step 5: Heating the Mor Kuzhambu
Pour this mixture into a saucepan and place it over low heat. Warm the mixture gently; be attentive as you watch for a light froth forming around the edges. It’s essential to avoid boiling the mixture, as high heat can cause the curd to split. As soon as you notice the froth, turn off the heat.
Step 6: Tempering the Mor Kuzhambu
In a separate tempering pan or tadka pan, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds. Allow the mustard seeds to crackle, releasing their aromatic flavors. Next, toss in the curry leaves and the dry red chilli, stirring briefly to combine. This tempering infuses the dish with a warm, earthy aroma.
Step 7: Final Assembly
Finally, pour this sizzling tempering over the warm Mor Kuzhambu. Gently stir to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the curry. Your White Pumpkin Mor Kuzhambu is now ready to be served!
Serving Suggestions
Serve your delightful Mor Kuzhambu alongside steaming hot rice for a satisfying meal. For a traditional touch, consider pairing it with Menthia Keerai Paruppu Usili, a delicious lentil and greens dish, to complete your Kerala-inspired lunch.
This White Pumpkin Mor Kuzhambu showcases the simplicity and beauty of Kerala’s vegetarian cuisine, celebrating the wholesome flavors of its fresh ingredients. Enjoy this dish not only for its taste but also for the nourishment and joy it brings to your dining table. Happy cooking!
