Kadu Bouranee

Kadu Bouranee Recipe - Delicious Vegetarian Dish from Afghanistan

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

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Kadu Bouranee is a traditional Afghan dish made with fresh squash, sweet tomato sauce, and a tangy yogurt sauce. This dish is a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

History

Kadu Bouranee has been a staple in Afghan cuisine for centuries. It is a popular dish that is often served during special occasions and celebrations. The combination of squash, tomato sauce, and yogurt sauce creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that is loved by many.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) fresh pumpkin or squash
0.25 cup of corn oil

Sweet tomato sauce

1 tbsp crushed garlic
1 cup of water
0.5 tbsp salt
0.5 cup of sugar
4 oz (113 g) tomato sauce
0.5 tsp ginger root, chopped fine
1 tbsp freshly ground coriander seeds
0.25 tsp black pepper

Yogurt sauce

0.25 tsp crushed garlic
0.25 tbsp salt
0.75 cup plain yogurt
garnish: dry mint leaves, crushed

How to prepare

Peel the pumpkin and cut it into 2 – 3" cubes; set aside.
Heat oil in a large frying pan with a lid.
Fry the pumpkin on both sides for a couple of minutes until lightly browned.
In a bowl, mix together the ingredients for the sweet tomato sauce, then add it to the pumpkin mixture in the frying pan.
Cover the pan and cook over low heat for 20 – 25 minutes, until the pumpkin is cooked and most of the liquid has evaporated.
In another bowl, mix together the ingredients for the yogurt sauce.
To serve, spread half of the yogurt sauce on a plate and place the cooked pumpkin on top.
Top with the remaining yogurt sauce and any cooking juices left over.
Sprinkle with dry mint.
This dish can be served with chalow (basmati rice) and naan or pita bread.

Variations

You can add ground meat such as lamb or beef to the sweet tomato sauce for a heartier version of Kadu Bouranee. You can also add raisins or nuts for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to fry the pumpkin until it is lightly browned on both sides to enhance the flavor.

- Cooking the pumpkin in the sweet tomato sauce allows it to absorb all the delicious flavors.

- Be sure to cook the pumpkin over low heat to ensure it is cooked through and tender.

- The yogurt sauce adds a tangy and creamy element to the dish, so be generous with it when serving.

Serving Suggestions

Kadu Bouranee is best served with chalow (basmati rice) and naan or pita bread. The combination of flavors and textures makes for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the pumpkin until it is lightly browned adds depth of flavor to the dish. Cooking the pumpkin in the sweet tomato sauce allows it to absorb all the delicious flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butternut squash or acorn squash instead of fresh squash in this recipe. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt for a tangier flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sweet tomato sauce and yogurt sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. You can also fry the pumpkin ahead of time and finish cooking it in the sauce when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Kadu Bouranee on a platter with a generous dollop of yogurt sauce on top. Sprinkle with crushed dry mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Kadu Bouranee pairs well with a side of basmati rice and a fresh cucumber salad. A glass of mint tea or a cold lassi is the perfect beverage to accompany this dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 280 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 32g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 14g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 6g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Kadu Bouranee is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (yogurt).

Summary

Kadu Bouranee is a nutritious dish that is high in carbohydrates and fats, making it a satisfying and filling meal. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for your diet.

Summary

Kadu Bouranee is a delicious and nutritious Afghan dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet tomato sauce, tender squash, and tangy yogurt sauce creates a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. Enjoy this dish with rice and bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was called Kadu Bouranee, a traditional Afghan dish that looked absolutely divine in the old cookbook I had stumbled upon at a garage sale. The picture in the book showed a golden pumpkin, fried to perfection and topped with a savory tomato-based sauce. My mouth watered just looking at it, and I knew I had to learn how to make it.

I had always been fascinated by different cuisines from around the world, and Afghan cuisine had always intrigued me with its exotic flavors and aromatic spices. So, armed with the recipe from the old cookbook, I set out to make Kadu Bouranee for the first time.

The recipe seemed simple enough, but as I began to gather the ingredients, I realized that some of them were not readily available in my small town. Undeterred, I set out to find substitutes for the more exotic ingredients, determined to recreate the flavors of this traditional Afghan dish.

I started by roasting the pumpkin in the oven until it was tender and caramelized, filling my kitchen with a sweet and earthy aroma. While the pumpkin was roasting, I began to make the tomato-based sauce, using fresh tomatoes, garlic, and a blend of spices that I had on hand. The sauce simmered on the stove, thickening and developing its rich flavors.

As the pumpkin finished roasting, I carefully flipped each piece in the pan to ensure that they were evenly browned on all sides. Once they were golden and crispy, I plated them on a large serving dish and spooned the tomato sauce over the top, garnishing it with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

The moment of truth had arrived. I took a bite of the Kadu Bouranee, savoring the flavors that exploded in my mouth. The sweetness of the pumpkin paired perfectly with the tangy tomato sauce, creating a harmony of flavors that danced on my taste buds. It was a culinary masterpiece, and I knew that I had found a new favorite dish.

Over the years, I continued to make Kadu Bouranee for family gatherings and special occasions, each time tweaking the recipe to make it my own. I experimented with different spices and ingredients, adding my own personal touch to this traditional Afghan dish. And each time I made it, it was met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

As I shared the recipe with friends and family, I also shared the story of how I came to discover Kadu Bouranee and the journey I had taken to perfect it. It became more than just a dish to me; it was a symbol of my love for cooking and my passion for trying new things.

And so, as I sit here reminiscing about the first time I saw the recipe for Kadu Bouranee, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary adventures it has brought me on. It is a reminder that sometimes the most delicious discoveries come from unexpected places, and that with a little creativity and determination, you can recreate the flavors of a far-off land right in your own kitchen.