Have you ever heard of a categorisation of vegetables on the basis of affordability? I was dumbstruck when in certain societies, some vegetables were categorised as the poor man's food, not fit for the rich man's table. And certainly not to be served to guests! And yellow pumpkins fell in that category. Sad. Pumpkins are a colored vegetable and a rich source of Vitamin A. Apart from the fruit, you can also eat the tender leaves, flowers, and seeds as well. The matured vegetable can also be stored as such for many months. As they are naturally slightly sweet, they make a good base for sweets and desserts.
There are various varieties of pumpkins. What I get in Bangalore is dark golden inside, with a dark skin outside.The flowers are also a lovely bright golden yellow, and I grow the plant on my balcony for the sake of the flowers which bloom profusely. Sadly, the fruiting is not as successful because of the small size of the container in which it is grown. But I am digressing. The pumpkin has got a smooth texture, is slightly sweet, and very tasty. As usual, I love to cook food such that spices just enhance, but does not overpower the taste of the vegetable itself.
Here is the simplest way to cook yellow pumpkin and savour its taste.
Ingredients:
Pumpkin : 200 gms
Methi seeds or fenugreek: 1/8 tsp
Oil
Salt / sugar
Method:
Cube the pumpkin.
In a pan, heat 2 tbsp of oil.
Saute1/8 tsp methi seeds till they slightly change colour.
Put in the pumpkin pieces. Add salt.
If your pumpkin has a pale color, add a little turmeric.
Cover and cook on slow/medium heat.
Stir occasionally. Sprinkle some water if food is found sticking to pan.
When soft, it is ready.
Taste, add a little sugar,if you like a slightly sweet taste.
Note:
You will love the simplicity and purity of the dish. For a varied flavour, try adding a little lemon basil leaves to it.
You can eat a spicy version too. Just cook it with the methi, jeera, garlic, ginger, onions, hing, tomatoes, chilli, coriander powder, garam masala. Do remember to garnish with coriander.
