Pumpkin Ombhal Recipe – Sweet and Sour Pumpkin Curry
Discover the vibrant and flavorful Pumpkin Ombhal, a traditional Nagaland-style curry that perfectly balances sweet and sour flavors. This delightful dish features tender pumpkin simmered in tamarind water, infused with the richness of jaggery, and finished with aromatic spices. A true reflection of Nagaland’s culinary heritage, Pumpkin Ombhal is a vegetarian delight that pairs wonderfully with rice or flatbreads, making it ideal for lunch or dinner.
Cuisine: Nagaland
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pumpkin (peeled, seeds removed, cut into pieces) | 4 cups |
| Jaggery (grated or powdered) | 1/4 cup |
| Tamarind water | 1/4 cup |
| Dried red chilies | 2 |
| Salt | To taste |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Raisins | 1 tablespoon |
| Lemon juice | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Fennel seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 26 g |
| Protein | 1.5 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
| Potassium | 230 mg |
| Iron | 0.8 mg |
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on portion size.)
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
45 minutes
Instructions
-
Cook the Pumpkin
- In a non-stick pan, pour the tamarind water and bring it to a gentle boil.
- Add the pumpkin pieces and cook over medium heat until the pumpkin softens and begins to melt. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
- Once the pumpkin is tender, use the back of a spoon to mash it lightly. Set the mixture aside.
-
Prepare the Tempering
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add mustard seeds and let them crackle.
- Toss in the bay leaf, fennel seeds, dried red chilies, and raisins. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
-
Combine the Ingredients
- Add the cooked pumpkin mixture to the tempering. Stir well to combine.
- Mix in the jaggery and salt. Continue cooking on low-medium heat until the mixture thickens and the flavors are well blended. This should take around 8-10 minutes.
-
Add the Finishing Touch
- Turn off the heat and stir in the lemon juice to enhance the flavor.
-
Serve
- Serve your Pumpkin Ombhal hot with steamed rice, Naga-style chicken curry, or your favorite flatbread for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Ombhal
- Pumpkin Selection: Use a ripe pumpkin with a natural sweetness for the best results.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter curry, you can slightly increase the quantity of jaggery.
- Tamarind Water: For a deeper tangy flavor, soak tamarind pulp in warm water, extract the juice, and use it in place of pre-made tamarind water.
- Texture: Mash the pumpkin to your preferred consistency; it can be completely smooth or slightly chunky.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this sweet and sour curry with simple steamed rice to let its flavors shine.
- Complement it with a side of Naga-style chicken curry for a traditional feast.
- Garnish with a few additional raisins or a drizzle of melted jaggery for an extra touch of indulgence.
Experience the soulful taste of Nagaland with this Pumpkin Ombhal recipe—a perfect blend of earthy sweetness and zesty tang, harmonized by the aroma of Indian spices. Whether it’s a festive occasion or a quiet family dinner, this dish is sure to be a cherished addition to your dining table.
