Creamy Red Pumpkin Raita (Lal Bhoplyacha Bharit) Recipe

Lal Bhoplyacha Bharit Recipe (Red Pumpkin Raita)

Introduction:

Lal Bhoplyacha Bharit, or Red Pumpkin Raita, is a classic Indian side dish that brings together the subtle sweetness of pumpkin with the creamy tanginess of hung curd (Greek yogurt). This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for a light lunch or can be paired with various Indian meals. It’s often served during fasting days or as a cooling accompaniment to spicy main dishes. The pumpkin is steamed and mashed, creating a velvety texture, while the addition of roasted groundnut powder adds a nutty crunch. The tempering of cumin seeds, hing, and green chilies further enhances the flavor profile, making this dish a delightful experience for the palate.

Ingredients:

Preparation Time:

• 10 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 15 minutes

Total Time:

• 25 minutes

Servings:

• 4 servings

Cuisine:

• Indian

Course:

• Side Dish

Diet:

• Vegetarian

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pumpkin:
   Begin by steaming or microwaving the chopped pumpkin until it becomes soft. If using a microwave, place the pumpkin in a microwave-safe dish, add a tablespoon of water, and cook on high for 5-7 minutes, or until tender. Drain any excess water from the pumpkin.

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2. Mash the Pumpkin:
   Once the pumpkin has cooled down slightly, use a fork or potato masher to roughly mash it. Leave some chunks intact for texture, while mashing the rest into a smooth consistency.

3. Mix the Ingredients:
   In a mixing bowl, add the mashed pumpkin along with the hung curd (Greek yogurt), salt, sugar, and roasted groundnut powder. Stir everything together until well combined.

4. Prepare the Tempering (Tadka):
   Heat the sunflower oil or ghee in a small tempering pan (tadka pan) over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add the hing (asafoetida) and chopped green chilies to the pan. Let the spices sizzle for a few seconds, releasing their aromas.

5. Combine the Tadka with the Raita:
   Pour the hot tempering mixture over the prepared pumpkin raita and stir it all together, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.

6. Garnish and Serve:
   Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Your Lal Bhoplyacha Bharit is now ready to serve!

Serving Suggestions:

• As a Side Dish: Serve this refreshing raita with roti for a light weekday lunch or dinner.
• For Fasting Days: Pair it with Bhagar (a type of rice) or Sabudana Khichdi for a fulfilling and nutritious fasting meal.
• With Main Dishes: This raita also complements Kala Vatana Amti (Black Pea Curry) and Phulkas (Indian flatbread), providing a cooling contrast to the rich flavors of the curry.

Tips:

• Adjusting Consistency: If the raita is too thick for your liking, you can add a splash of water or milk to adjust the consistency.
• Spice Level: You can adjust the number of green chilies depending on your spice preference. For a milder version, use only one chili or omit them entirely.
• Using Ghee: For a richer flavor, ghee is recommended in the tempering, but sunflower oil works just as well for a lighter version.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):

Lal Bhoplyacha Bharit is not only a nutritious and delicious dish, but it also adds a pop of color and a burst of flavor to your meals. With its combination of creamy yogurt, savory spices, and sweet pumpkin, it is sure to be a hit at any meal. Enjoy this simple, healthy Indian side dish today!