Kumror Chokka Recipe – Kaddu Kala Chana Sabzi | Pumpkin Chickpea Curry
In the heart of Bengali cuisine lies the delightful and hearty Kumror Chokka, a beloved dish that beautifully combines the earthy flavors of pumpkin and chickpeas, resulting in a curry that is both nourishing and satisfying. This recipe not only captures the essence of traditional Bengali cooking but also offers a perfect high-protein vegetarian option for your lunch table. Prepare yourself for a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mustard oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Asafoetida (hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Kalonji (Onion Nigella Seeds) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Bay leaf (tej patta) | 1 |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 1 inch |
| Green Chillies (slit) | 2 |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 |
| Kala Chana (Brown Chickpeas, soaked overnight) | 1/2 cup |
| Potatoes (Aloo, peeled and diced) | 2 |
| Kaddu (Parangikai/Pumpkin, peeled and diced) | 500 grams |
| Tomato (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Panch Phoran Masala | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon or to taste |
| Jaggery | 1 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 |
| Protein | 8g |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | 100mg |
Preparation Time
| Description | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 120 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 150 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
Instructions
To embark on your Kumror Chokka journey, start by gathering and prepping all your ingredients. The freshness of each component plays a crucial role in bringing out the flavors in this curry.
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Cook the Chickpeas: Begin by cooking the soaked kala chana (brown chickpeas) in a pressure cooker. Add enough water to ensure it is about 1.5 inches above the chickpeas, along with a pinch of salt. Secure the lid and cook for four whistles on high heat. Afterward, reduce the heat to low and simmer for an additional 15 minutes. Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally. Drain any excess water and set the cooked chickpeas aside.
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Prepare the Potatoes: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 1 tablespoon of mustard oil over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes, sprinkle a pinch of salt, and roast them until they turn light brown. Cover the pan for a few minutes to accelerate the cooking process. Once cooked, transfer the potatoes to a bowl and set aside.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add the remaining mustard oil. Once heated, toss in the mustard seeds, kalonji, asafoetida, finely chopped ginger, slit green chillies, bay leaf, and dry red chillies. Sauté for a few seconds until the spices release their aromatic fragrance.
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Add the Vegetables: Next, introduce the diced pumpkin, chopped tomatoes, panch phoran masala, turmeric powder, and salt to the pan. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients, then cover the pan. Allow the pumpkin to cook until it is nearly tender, which should take around 10-15 minutes.
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Combine the Ingredients: As the pumpkin cooks, it will soften and meld with the spices. Towards the end of the cooking time, add the roasted potatoes, cooked chickpeas, and jaggery to the pumpkin mixture. Gently stir everything together, ensuring that the flavors meld beautifully. Let the dish simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
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Final Adjustments: After simmering, taste the Kumror Chokka and adjust the seasoning with salt or jaggery as needed, allowing the flavors to balance perfectly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Turn off the heat and transfer the Kumror Chokka to a serving bowl. Serve it hot, accompanied by a bowl of Bengali Style Cholar Dal and fluffy Bengali Luchi for a wholesome, satisfying lunch that brings the essence of Bengal to your table.
This Kumror Chokka is not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Each bite is a celebration of the simple yet rich flavors of Bengali cuisine, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. Enjoy the delightful blend of textures and tastes, and share the love of cooking with those around you!
