Pumpkin Curry with Chicken Recipe
Description:
Pumpkin Curry with Chicken is a deliciously aromatic and hearty dish that blends the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the savory richness of chicken. The pumpkin is transformed into a smooth puree, creating a creamy base for the curry. This comforting, quick-to-make dish is loaded with vibrant Indian spices, offering a balance of flavors that are both rich and satisfying. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this curry pairs wonderfully with fresh parathas or a crisp salad on the side.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts (cut into small pieces) | 400 grams |
| Kaddu (Parangikai/Pumpkin) | 500 grams |
| Fresh ginger (roughly chopped) | 1 inch |
| Onion (roughly chopped) | 1 |
| Garlic (chopped) | 3 cloves |
| Green chilies (finely chopped) | 2 |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 3/4 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Homemade tomato puree | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | As required |
| Fresh coriander leaves (finely chopped) | A small bunch |
| Oil | As required |
Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
60 minutes
Instructions:
-
Heat Oil & Sauté Aromatics:
Begin by heating oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic, onion, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and release their fragrant aromas. -
Cook the Pumpkin:
Add the chopped pumpkin to the pan, along with a pinch of salt. Stir everything together and cover the pan. Let it simmer for about 6-8 minutes, allowing the pumpkin to soften. You may need to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. -
Make the Pumpkin Puree:
Once the pumpkin is tender, use a hand blender to blend the pumpkin directly in the pan into a smooth puree. If you don’t have a hand blender, you can carefully transfer the pumpkin mixture to a regular blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pan. -
Add Tomato Puree & Spices:
Stir in the homemade tomato puree, followed by the cumin powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Mix everything thoroughly to combine, and sauté for about 2 minutes to let the spices release their flavors and deepen. -
Cook the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces into the pan, followed by 1 cup of water. Stir well to combine and coat the chicken with the pumpkin-spiced sauce. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let the curry cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through. -
Adjust Consistency & Seasoning:
Check the consistency of the curry. If you prefer a thinner sauce, feel free to add more water. Taste the curry and adjust the salt and spices as needed to suit your taste. -
Finish with Fresh Coriander:
Once the chicken is cooked, turn off the heat. Stir in the freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of fresh flavor. -
Serve:
Transfer the Pumpkin Curry with Chicken into a serving bowl. Serve hot with Pudina Tawa Paratha or Kachumber Salad on the side for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestion:
For an extra touch, serve this aromatic curry with fluffy basmati rice or a side of warm, crispy parathas. Pairing it with a simple cucumber and tomato salad (Kachumber) adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the curry.
Enjoy the perfect balance of savory and sweet, with this flavorful Pumpkin Curry with Chicken!
