Pumpkin Thoran Recipe – South Indian Pumpkin Sabzi
Pumpkin Thoran is a classic South Indian side dish that celebrates the humble pumpkin with a burst of flavors from fresh coconut, curry leaves, and simple spices. This dish is perfect for busy weeknight dinners as it requires minimal ingredients and is ready in just under 25 minutes. Light, nutritious, and incredibly flavorful, Pumpkin Thoran pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and other traditional South Indian accompaniments.
Recipe Details:
- Cuisine: Indian
- Course: Side Dish
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kaddu (Parangikai/Pumpkin), diced | 500 grams |
| Pearl Onions (Sambar Onions), chopped | 15 |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | 2 sprigs |
| Green Chillies, slit | 2 |
| Salt | To taste |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
To be ground into a coarse paste:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh Coconut, grated | 1/2 cup |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Green Chilli | 1 |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 105 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
| Potassium | 250 mg |
Instructions
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare all the ingredients and keep them ready. Chop the pumpkin into small cubes, finely chop the pearl onions, and gather the spices. |
| 2 | In a mixer grinder, combine grated coconut, curry leaves, cumin seeds, and one green chilli. Grind to a coarse paste without adding water. |
| 3 | Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add oil and allow it to heat. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds and let them splutter. |
| 4 | Add the curry leaves and sauté briefly until aromatic. Immediately add the finely chopped pearl onions and sauté until they soften and turn translucent. |
| 5 | Add the slit green chillies and stir. Once the onions turn pink, add the diced pumpkin, turmeric powder, and salt. Stir everything well to coat the pumpkin with spices. |
| 6 | Sprinkle a few tablespoons of water, cover the pan with a lid, and cook on medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pumpkin becomes tender and soft. |
| 7 | Once the pumpkin is cooked, add the ground coconut mixture. Toss everything together on high heat for a few seconds to blend the flavors. Turn off the heat. |
| 8 | Taste and adjust the seasoning, if required. Transfer the Pumpkin Thoran to a serving dish. |
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful Pumpkin Thoran with:
- Cherupayar Curry (Green gram curry)
- Steamed Rice
- Moru Kachiyathu (Seasoned buttermilk curry)
This wholesome combination makes for a satisfying and comforting South Indian meal, perfect for lunch or dinner. Enjoy the simplicity and vibrant flavors of this traditional dish!
