Bhoplya Cha Bharit Recipe – Maharashtrian Pumpkin Sabzi
Discover the vibrant flavors of Maharashtrian cuisine with this delicious Bhoplya Cha Bharit, a simple yet flavorful pumpkin dish that is both satisfying and healthy. This Pumpkin Sabzi, commonly enjoyed as part of a meal in Maharashtra, combines the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with aromatic spices that are deeply rooted in the region’s culinary tradition. It is an excellent vegetarian dish that can be paired with Indian flatbreads or enjoyed as a standalone side dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kaddu (Parangikai/Pumpkin) | 300 grams, cut into chunks |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | As required for frying |
Preparation Time
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time
- 30 minutes
Total Time
- 45 minutes
Servings
- 4 servings
Cuisine
- Maharashtrian Recipes
Course
- Main Course
Diet
- Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Cook the Pumpkin:
Begin by placing the cut pumpkin chunks in a pressure cooker. Add approximately 2 tablespoons of water and salt to taste. Pressure cook for just one whistle. Once done, turn off the heat immediately to prevent the pumpkin from becoming too soft. To quickly release the pressure, place the cooker under running water and open the lid. This step ensures that the pumpkin remains firm and retains its texture. -
-
Prepare the Tempering:
Heat sunflower oil in a kadai (Indian wok) over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds to the hot oil, letting them crackle for a few seconds. This process infuses the oil with their bold flavors. -
Add Aromatics:
Once the mustard and cumin seeds have spluttered, toss in the curry leaves. Allow them to crackle as well, releasing their fragrant aroma into the oil. Next, stir in the asafoetida, followed by red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala. These spices will lend warmth and depth to the dish. -
Combine Pumpkin with Spices:
Add the cooked pumpkin to the kadai with the tempering and spices. Gently toss the pumpkin in the spice mix, ensuring it is well coated with the flavorful tempering. -
Finish the Dish:
Sprinkle additional salt to taste and stir-fry the pumpkin for about a minute. This allows the spices to infuse the pumpkin, creating a delicious and fragrant dish. -
Serve:
Once done, taste and adjust the salt and spices as needed. Turn off the heat and transfer the Bhoplya Cha Bharit to a serving bowl. Serve this aromatic Maharashtrian pumpkin sabzi hot.
Serving Suggestions
Bhoplya Cha Bharit pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. For a complete meal, serve it alongside:
- Punjabi Bhindi Kadhi – A tangy, spiced okra curry made with yogurt and gram flour.
- Moong Sprouts Salad – A light and nutritious salad made from sprouted moong beans, offering a refreshing contrast to the warm sabzi.
- Ragi Phulka – Soft, healthy flatbreads made from ragi (finger millet), perfect for scooping up the flavorful pumpkin dish.
This Maharashtrian pumpkin sabzi is not just a treat for the taste buds, but also an easy-to-make dish that is packed with goodness. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday meal or a flavorful addition to a special dinner, Bhoplya Cha Bharit is sure to be a hit at your table.
