Unfortunately, in the world of Indian cooking, pumpkin's got a bad rap. Kaddu, as it is popularly known, is one of the vegetables that not too many people like, along with Lauki (bottle gourd) and others. It really is a shame though, because pumpkin is one of the most versatile ingredients as it takes on the flavours you add to it. From pumpkin ravioli to roast pumpkin soup, there is a world of exciting dishes one can cook up with pumpkin.Pumpkin was also called Pepon, Greek for large melon. The French called it Pompom, the English called it Pumpion and the Americans changed it to pumpkin. We call it kaddu or kaashi phal in Hindi. Kaddu is one of the few vegetables allowed to be eaten during the Navratri fasts.
Benefits of eating Pumpkin: Eating fresh fruits and vegetables of various colours have an immense beneficial effect on our body. Increasing intake of plant foods protects us against chronic diseases.1. Prevention: Pumpkin is one of the richest sources of Beta carotene, a potent antioxidant. Beta carotene has been linked to reducing the risks of certain cancers, delay aging and protect against heart diseases.
Pumpkin may not be the most popular vegetable among children and a lot of us. But this humble fruit is a nutritional wonder. Include it in your meals as often as possible. Be adventurous and cook it in interesting ways to add flavours to your table. Try some of our recipes this Navratri and load up on health with this mostly ignored superfood of nature.(Shop for high-quality Pumpkin Seeds, only on SmartCooky)Now, for some great pumpkin recipes you can make this festive season.1. Pumpkin Oambhal
Recipe by Aditya BhalThis almost soup-y dish makes a brilliant dinner. Pumpkin flavoured with tamarind and then slowly cooked with bay leaf, mustard seeds, cumin seeds is graced with jaggery syrup and some lime across it.2. Pumpkin Soup
Recipe by Niru GuptaThis delicious bowl of mildly spiced soup can be enjoyed before your meal or if you make it the right consistency, it could also be your meal.3. Potato & Pumpkin Vegetable
Recipe by Aditya BalThis recipe has garlic as one of the ingredients and if you're off garlic because of Navratri, please exclude it from the recipe.
Recipe by Niru GuptaThis silky halwa is really easy to make. All you need besides a pumpkin are some cinnamon stocks, raisins, toasted coconut and roasted almonds.
Recipe by Ambili KurianThis traditional Kerala dish is made with pumpkins and coconut, two ingredients that compliment each other as well as bread and butter.
Benefits of eating Pumpkin: Eating fresh fruits and vegetables of various colours have an immense beneficial effect on our body. Increasing intake of plant foods protects us against chronic diseases.1. Prevention: Pumpkin is one of the richest sources of Beta carotene, a potent antioxidant. Beta carotene has been linked to reducing the risks of certain cancers, delay aging and protect against heart diseases.
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Pumpkin may not be the most popular vegetable among children and a lot of us. But this humble fruit is a nutritional wonder. Include it in your meals as often as possible. Be adventurous and cook it in interesting ways to add flavours to your table. Try some of our recipes this Navratri and load up on health with this mostly ignored superfood of nature.(Shop for high-quality Pumpkin Seeds, only on SmartCooky)
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Recipe by Aditya BhalThis almost soup-y dish makes a brilliant dinner. Pumpkin flavoured with tamarind and then slowly cooked with bay leaf, mustard seeds, cumin seeds is graced with jaggery syrup and some lime across it.2. Pumpkin Soup
Recipe by Niru Gupta
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Recipe by Aditya BalThis recipe has garlic as one of the ingredients and if you're off garlic because of Navratri, please exclude it from the recipe.
Recipe by Niru GuptaThis silky halwa is really easy to make. All you need besides a pumpkin are some cinnamon stocks, raisins, toasted coconut and roasted almonds.
Recipe by Ambili KurianThis traditional Kerala dish is made with pumpkins and coconut, two ingredients that compliment each other as well as bread and butter.
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