Pumpkin Curry with Chicken Recipe
A hearty and flavorful dish, Pumpkin Curry with Chicken offers a comforting blend of tender chicken, sweet pumpkin, and aromatic spices. This dish, inspired by traditional Indian flavors, brings together the richness of pumpkin and the warmth of spices, making it a perfect choice for a wholesome lunch. The combination of cumin, coriander, and garam masala enhances the natural sweetness of the pumpkin, creating a harmonious curry that pairs wonderfully with flatbreads like Pudina Tawa Paratha and a refreshing Kachumber Salad. With just the right amount of heat from green chilies, this curry is a delightful treat for the taste buds.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts (cut into small pieces) | 400 grams |
| Pumpkin (Kaddu/Parangikai) | 500 grams |
| Ginger (roughly chopped) | 1 inch |
| Onion (roughly chopped) | 1 medium |
| 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 (to taste) | As required |
| Fresh coriander (Dhania) leaves | A small bunch |
| Sunflower oil | As required |
Preparation Time
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 60 minutes |
| Total Time | 70 minutes |
Servings
| Servings | 4 persons |
Cuisine
| Cuisine | Indian |
Course
| Course | Lunch |
Diet
| Diet | Non-Vegetarian |
Instructions
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pumpkin Curry with Chicken
-
Heat the Oil
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat a generous amount of sunflower oil on medium heat. This will ensure an even cook and bring out the depth of flavors from the spices. -
Sauté Aromatics
Once the oil is hot, add the chopped garlic, ginger, onion, and green chilies to the pan. Sauté them for about a minute, letting the flavors infuse the oil. -
Cook the Pumpkin
Add the chopped pumpkin pieces into the pan and sprinkle a pinch of salt. Stir the pumpkin well to combine with the aromatics. Cover the pan and cook the pumpkin for about 6-8 minutes, or until it softens. -
Blend the Pumpkin
After the pumpkin has softened, use a hand blender to blend it into a smooth puree while it remains in the pan. This will help incorporate the pumpkin into the curry base and provide a rich, creamy texture. -
Add Tomato Puree & Spices
Once the pumpkin has been pureed, add the homemade tomato puree into the pan. Stir it in to combine. Next, add the cumin powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and garam masala powder. Mix everything well and sauté for another 2 minutes. This step allows the spices to release their full aroma. -
Add Chicken & Water
After the spices have sautéed, add the chicken pieces to the pan. Pour in a cup of water to help the curry form a consistent sauce. Stir everything together to combine the chicken with the curry base. -
Simmer the Curry
Cover the pan and turn the heat to low. Allow the curry to simmer, cooking the chicken thoroughly. This will take about 25-30 minutes. Make sure to check the chicken for doneness, ensuring it is fully cooked through. -
Adjust Consistency and Seasoning
Once the chicken is cooked, check the consistency of the curry. If it’s too thick, add more water to reach your desired consistency. You can also adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or spices according to your taste. -
Finish and Garnish
Once the curry is ready, turn off the heat. Stir in the freshly chopped coriander leaves, adding a burst of freshness to the dish. -
Serve
Transfer the Pumpkin Curry with Chicken into a serving bowl. Serve it hot with a side of Pudina Tawa Paratha and a refreshing Kachumber Salad for a well-rounded meal.
Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Curry with Chicken
- Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer green chilies, depending on your preference.
- Consistency Variations: If you like a thinner curry, simply add more water during the cooking process. For a thicker, creamier curry, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.
- Substitutes: If you don’t have homemade tomato puree, you can use canned tomato puree or fresh tomatoes blended into a smooth paste.
- Serving Ideas: This curry pairs beautifully with Naan, Steamed Rice, or even Jeera Rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
| Potassium | 850mg |
| Vitamin A | 150% DV |
| Vitamin C | 25% DV |
Enjoy this rich and flavorful Pumpkin Curry with Chicken, a perfect dish that brings warmth and spice to your lunch table. Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or looking for something new to try, this curry is sure to satisfy your hunger and spice cravings!
