Kashmiri Style Al Rogan Josh Recipe – Pumpkin in Red Curry
Kashmiri Style Al Rogan Josh is a delicious, flavorful vegetarian dish from the Kashmiri cuisine, made with pumpkin (Kaddu) cooked in a rich, aromatic red curry. The blend of spices and yogurt gives this dish its signature depth and tangy finish, while the use of Ratanjot (alkanet) infuses the curry with its rich, reddish color, making it both visually appealing and mouthwatering. This recipe is a perfect choice for a comforting lunch or dinner when served with steamed rice and a refreshing Kachumber salad.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kaddu (Pumpkin) | 500 grams |
| Curd (Yogurt) | 1/2 cup |
| Green Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 2 (crushed) |
| Black Cardamom (Badi Elaichi) | 2 |
| Cloves (Laung) | 4 |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Bay Leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 1 tsp (crushed) |
| Fennel Powder | 1 tsp |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/2 tsp |
| Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder | 2 tsp |
| Ratan Jot (Alkanet) | 1/2 inch (infused in heated oil) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Mustard Oil | As required |
Prep Time
- 10 minutes
Cook Time
- 25 minutes
Total Time
- 35 minutes
Servings
- 4 servings
Cuisine
- Kashmiri
Course
- Lunch
Diet
- Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prep the Pumpkin:
Begin by washing, peeling, and cutting the pumpkin into medium-sized pieces. Set it aside for later. -
-
Prepare the Spices:
In a heavy-bottomed wok or a deep pan, heat mustard oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the bay leaf, green cardamom, black cardamom, cloves, cinnamon stick, and black peppercorns. Fry the whole spices for a minute or until they release their aromatic fragrance. -
Cook the Pumpkin:
Immediately add the chopped pumpkin to the wok. Stir well to coat the pumpkin in the oil and spices. Add the green chilies (if using), and continue frying on medium to high flame, stirring occasionally, until the pumpkin starts to soften slightly. -
Add Aromatics and Spices:
Once the pumpkin begins to soften, sprinkle in the asafoetida (hing) and stir it in. This will help to enhance the flavor and balance the spices. -
Whisk the Yogurt:
In a separate bowl, combine the yogurt, Kashmiri red chili powder, and fennel powder. Whisk the mixture until smooth and well incorporated. -
Combine Yogurt Mixture:
Reduce the heat to medium and remove the lid from the wok. Pour the whisked yogurt mixture into the pumpkin, stirring it in gently so that all the ingredients are well combined. Allow the curry to cook for a few minutes, ensuring the pumpkin is fully coated with the spices and yogurt. -
Add Ratan Jot:
Infuse the Ratan Jot (alkanet root) in a little hot oil. Once infused, add this red-colored oil to the curry, giving the dish its signature rich red hue. Stir well, then adjust salt to taste. -
Simmer and Cook:
Cover the pan and let the pumpkin cook until it becomes tender and soft, about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and check for tenderness. The curry should be thick and rich, with a beautiful reddish color. -
Garnish and Serve:
Once the pumpkin is soft and the curry has thickened, garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
Kashmiri Style Al Rogan Josh is best served with:
- Steamed rice: The mildness of the rice complements the spicy and tangy curry.
- Kachumber salad: A refreshing salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and onions adds a cooling contrast to the heat of the curry.
This dish makes for a comforting, hearty meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving) (Approximate values)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Tips for the Perfect Kashmiri Style Al Rogan Josh
- Use fresh pumpkin: Make sure the pumpkin is ripe and fresh, as it will add the perfect natural sweetness to balance the heat from the chili powder.
- Adjust the spice levels: If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the amount of Kashmiri red chili powder or skip the green chilies. For an extra kick, increase the chili powder or add more black pepper.
- Infuse the Ratan Jot well: Ratan Jot is crucial for the vibrant color, so ensure it is properly infused in the oil for maximum effect.
- Substitute mustard oil: While mustard oil is traditional for Kashmiri dishes, you can substitute it with vegetable or olive oil if desired.
This Kashmiri Style Al Rogan Josh is a perfect example of the bold and aromatic flavors typical of Kashmiri cuisine, bringing warmth and richness to your dining table. Enjoy it with family and friends for a truly delightful experience!
