Indian CuisineIndian FoodDurban Indian

Pumpkin Curry

Name: Pumpkin Curry
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 28 min
Yield: Serves 4-6
Cuisine: Durban Indian, South African
Ingredients: 1 small onion, slivered; 2 cloves garlic; 1/2 teaspoon jeera seeds; 2-3 dry red chillies; 1 teaspoon mustard seeds; 1 butternut or 1/4-1/2 pumpkin; salt to taste; 1 teaspoon sugar; 2-3 tablespoons cooking oil; 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

Make authentic Pumpkin Curry with this foolproof recipe. Packed with rich traditional flavor, step-by-step photos, and cooking tips by Denisiya on EatMee Recipes.

By DenisiyaPublished on September 14, 2016

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Prep Time20 mins

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Cook Time8 mins

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Total Time28 mins

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ServingsServes 4-6

This Indian Food Recipe Serves 2-3

Pumpkin curry is a vegetable dish which is well recognized in the Indian homes of South Africa. Many Indians of South Africa have certain religious fasts which compensates for vegetarian meals only. Pumpkin curry is known to be one of the must haves when it comes to the religious fastings as well as religious prayers.

Whenever cooked, pumpkin turns out to be sweet & makes the ideal accomplice for chillies & warm flavors. This dish can also be prepared using butternut as it is easier to work with & is also part of the pumpkin family.

This dish is meant to be spicy but if you do not prefer the spiciness then I would suggest not adding too many dry chillies.

I have used butternut to prepare the curry.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

8 Steps

Step 1
Cut butternut/pumpkin peel & discard as well as the seeds inside. Cut up the inside of the butternut/pumpkin into cubes & set aside in a bowl / dish.
Step 2
Heat oil in a medium sized pot. Slice onions & place in the hot oil. Allow to simmer until onions are transparent.
Step 3
Add in the mustard seeds, jeera seeds & garlic cloves. Break the dry chillies in halves & add to the pot.
Step 4
Add the turmeric & allow to fry for about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5
Add the cubed butternut/pumpkin to the pot. Alternatively, the prepacked, already diced butternut/pumpkin can be used.
Step 6
Add in a little water if needed (not too much). Season with salt & allow to cook until butternut/pumpkin is soft but not mushy.
Step 7
Add in the sugar & cook for another 5 minutes.
Step 8
Serve with roti, puri, rice or soft bread.

Frequently Asked Questions & Cooking Tips

Expert kitchen guidance and troubleshooting for making the best Pumpkin Curry

How do I make the curry gravy thick and rich in Pumpkin Curry?

A combination of finely chopped braised onions, pureed or grated tomatoes, and allowing the gravy to simmer uncovered for the last 5 minutes helps reduce and thicken the sauce to a rich coating consistency.

Can I freeze leftover Pumpkin Curry?

Yes, this curry freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Note: If freezing, omit or remove the potatoes as their texture changes when frozen. You can easily add fresh boiled potatoes when reheating!

How long does Pumpkin Curry stay fresh in the refrigerator?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it keeps well for 3 to 4 days. In fact, Durban curries often taste even richer the next day as the spices continue to infuse overnight.

Denisiya - Founder & Chef at EatMee Recipes

About the Creator

Meet Denisiya

Hi, I'm Denisiya! Food lover, recipe developer, and founder of EatMee Recipes. I specialize in authentic South African Durban Indian cuisine, comforting curries, and modern Instant Pot adaptations. Every recipe on this site is tested in my personal kitchen to ensure you get mouth-watering, foolproof results every time.

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Pumpkin Curry

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This Indian Food Recipe Serves 2-3

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions & Cooking Tips

Meet Denisiya

Comments & Community

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