Curried Tender Vine Tips of Pumpkin

Nepalese Pumpkin Curry Recipe with Fenugreek and Mustard Seeds

Region / culture: Nepal | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Curried Tender Vine Tips of Pumpkin is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the delicate taste of pumpkin vine tips with a blend of traditional Nepali spices. This dish is perfect for those looking to try something new and exciting in their cooking repertoire.

History

This recipe has its origins in Nepali cuisine, where pumpkin vine tips are a popular and nutritious vegetable used in many dishes. The combination of spices used in this recipe reflects the traditional flavors of Nepali cooking, creating a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) pumpkin vine tips, washed, peeled, and cut into 1-inch pieces
3 dried red chilies
1 tsp fenugreek seeds
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp whole timur (szchawan pepper)
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tbsp minced ginger
1 tsp cumin powder
0.5 tsp turmeric
0.5 tsp freshly ground pepper
3 tbsp clarified butter
salt to taste
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

How to prepare

In a non-stick pan, heat three tablespoons of clarified butter. Split fenugreek seeds, whole timur, mustard seeds, and cumin seeds until they turn dark. Fry dried red chilies for 15 seconds until they turn dark. Add garlic, ginger, ground pepper, cumin, and turmeric; fry for a minute or so on low heat. Add pumpkin vine tips to the spice mixture and stir-fry for about two minutes. Season with salt. To the stir-fry mixture, add broth and let it simmer until the vine tips are tender and the excess liquid has evaporated. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve with rice.

Variations

You can add diced potatoes or carrots to the dish for added texture and flavor.
For a vegan version of this recipe, you can use coconut oil instead of clarified butter.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to wash and peel the pumpkin vine tips before cutting them into pieces to ensure they are clean and ready to cook.

- Adjust the amount of dried red chilies used in the recipe to suit your spice preference. You can increase or decrease the number of chilies to make the dish milder or spicier.

- Be careful when frying the spices in the clarified butter, as they can burn quickly. Keep the heat low and stir constantly to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Curried Tender Vine Tips of Pumpkin with steamed rice or naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying the pumpkin vine tips with the spices helps to infuse them with flavor and create a delicious and aromatic dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find pumpkin vine tips, you can use green beans or asparagus as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the spice mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container until ready to use. This will save time when cooking the dish.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro leaves or a dollop of yogurt for a pop of color and added freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a side of cucumber raita or a simple salad to balance out the flavors and textures.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

150 per serving

Carbohydrates

15g per serving

Fats

10g per serving

Proteins

3g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Iron, thanks to the pumpkin vine tips and spices used in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (clarified butter) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

This dish is a good source of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a nutritious and flavorful addition to any meal.

Summary

Curried Tender Vine Tips of Pumpkin is a delicious and nutritious dish that showcases the flavors of Nepali cuisine. With a blend of traditional spices and tender pumpkin vine tips, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it with rice or naan bread for a satisfying meal that is both comforting and flavorful.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Rosemary in her quaint little cottage nestled in the countryside. As we sat in her cozy kitchen sipping tea, she suddenly jumped up and exclaimed, "I have the perfect recipe to use up those tender vine tips of pumpkin from my garden!"

I watched in awe as she effortlessly whipped up a delicious dish of Curried Tender Vine Tips of Pumpkin. The aroma that filled the room was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to try it. As I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of flavors and textures that I had never experienced before.

I begged Rosemary to share the recipe with me, and she happily obliged. She explained that she had learned it from an old friend who had traveled to India and had picked up the recipe during her adventures. I was intrigued by the idea of using pumpkin vine tips in a curry dish, as I had never thought to use them in such a way before.

I immediately went home and tried my hand at making Curried Tender Vine Tips of Pumpkin. It took me a few tries to perfect the recipe, but with each attempt, I grew more confident in my cooking skills. I made it for my family and friends, who all raved about how delicious it was.

Over the years, I made this dish countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste. I added more spices, experimented with different cooking techniques, and even tried substituting other types of squash for the pumpkin vine tips. But no matter how I changed it, the dish always remained a family favorite.

As I continued to make Curried Tender Vine Tips of Pumpkin, I started to think about the origins of the recipe. I wondered about the friend who had brought it back from India, and the experiences she must have had while traveling there. I imagined the bustling markets filled with exotic spices, the sizzling street food vendors, and the warm smiles of the locals as they shared their culinary secrets.

I decided to do some research on traditional Indian cuisine, hoping to uncover more about the history of the dish. I read books, watched documentaries, and even took a cooking class to learn more about the flavors and techniques used in Indian cooking. I was amazed by the diversity and complexity of the cuisine, and how each region had its own unique culinary traditions.

Armed with this newfound knowledge, I set out to perfect my recipe for Curried Tender Vine Tips of Pumpkin. I sourced the freshest ingredients, ground my own spices, and cooked the dish with care and precision. The result was a masterpiece of flavors and textures that transported me back to that warm summer day in Rosemary's kitchen.

As I sat down to enjoy my creation, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the journey that had brought me to this moment. From the simple act of sharing a recipe with a friend, to the hours spent experimenting in my own kitchen, I had discovered a passion for cooking that I never knew existed.

And so, each time I make Curried Tender Vine Tips of Pumpkin, I am reminded of the power of sharing recipes and the joy that comes from creating something delicious to share with others. It is a dish that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the friendships formed and the memories made in the kitchen. And as I continue to cook and create, I know that there are many more culinary adventures waiting to be discovered.