Khatta - Meetha Kadoo

Khatta - Meetha Kadoo Recipe | Vegetarian Food from India

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

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Khatta - Meetha Kadoo is a traditional Indian dish that combines the tanginess of lemon juice and the sweetness of sugar with the earthy flavors of pumpkin. This dish is a perfect balance of sweet and sour, making it a popular choice for those looking for a unique and flavorful side dish.

History

Khatta - Meetha Kadoo has its origins in North Indian cuisine, where pumpkins are a common vegetable used in various dishes. The combination of sweet and sour flavors in this dish is a result of the use of sugar and lemon juice, which are commonly used in Indian cooking to balance out the flavors of different dishes.

Ingredients

400 g of Yellow pumpkin
A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
0.5 tsp of fenugreek seeds (Meyhi Dana)
1 tbsp of grated ginger
2 green chillies, finely chopped
2 tsp of coriander powder
0.5 tsp of turmeric powder
0.25 tsp of garam masala powder
1 tsp of red chilli powder or to taste
salt to taste
2 tbsp of sugar
1.5 tbsp of lemon juice
Fresh coriander, washed and finely chopped
3-4 tbsp of oil

How to prepare

Peel, wash, and cut the pumpkin into 1-inch pieces.
Heat oil in a kadai. Add asafoetida and fenugreek seeds. Now add ginger. When it turns brown, add green chillies and pumpkin and mix well.
Add salt, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, and red chilli powder. Mix well. Cover and cook on medium heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Now add sugar and lemon juice. Mix well. Cover and cook for another 10 minutes or until the pumpkin is done. The pumpkin pieces should look mashed.
Garnish with chopped coriander. Serve hot with pooris.
Variation: Instead of lemon juice, 1 tbsp tamarind extract can be used. Add the extract when the pumpkin is almost cooked.

Variations

For a spicier version, add more red chilli powder or chopped green chillies.
Substitute tamarind extract for lemon juice for a different flavor profile.
Add some roasted peanuts or cashews for a crunchy texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the pumpkin into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Adjust the amount of sugar and lemon juice according to your taste preferences.

- For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chilli powder or add some chopped green chillies.

- Be sure to stir the pumpkin occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Serving Suggestions

Khatta - Meetha Kadoo can be served as a side dish with roti, naan, or rice. It pairs well with dal and raita.

Cooking Techniques

Cover and cook the pumpkin on medium heat to ensure it cooks evenly and becomes soft and mashed.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butternut squash or acorn squash instead of pumpkin.

- Substitute jaggery for sugar for a more traditional flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the pumpkin mixture ahead of time and reheat it before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a pop of color. - Serve in a decorative bowl for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Khatta - Meetha Kadoo with a spicy curry or a creamy dal for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

200

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 25g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 15g

Fats

- Total Fat: 10g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 2g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 100%

- Vitamin C: 50%

- Iron: 6%

- Calcium: 4%

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and nut-free.

Summary

Khatta - Meetha Kadoo is a nutritious dish that is rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C. It is low in calories and fats, making it a healthy option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Summary

Khatta - Meetha Kadoo is a delicious and flavorful dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With the perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Khatta - Meetha Kadoo. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in India. I remember watching my mother and grandmother in the kitchen, as they chopped and cooked and stirred, creating delicious dishes that filled our home with warmth and aroma.

One day, a neighbor brought over a basket of fresh kadoo, a type of squash that was popular in our region. She told my mother that she had a special recipe for Khatta - Meetha Kadoo, a sweet and sour dish that was a favorite among her family. My mother was intrigued, and asked the neighbor to teach her how to make it.

I remember watching as the neighbor showed my mother how to peel and chop the kadoo, then cook it with a blend of spices and tamarind paste to create a sweet and tangy flavor. The dish was then finished off with a sprinkling of sugar and fresh cilantro, adding a touch of sweetness and freshness to the dish.

I was mesmerized by the process, and as soon as the dish was ready, I eagerly took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the sweetness of the sugar, the tanginess of the tamarind, and the earthiness of the kadoo all coming together in perfect harmony. I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

Over the years, I watched my mother and grandmother make Khatta - Meetha Kadoo many times, and I eventually learned the recipe by heart. I would help them in the kitchen, chopping the kadoo and stirring the pot as the dish cooked. I loved the way the flavors melded together, creating a dish that was both comforting and exotic at the same time.

As I grew older and started my own family, I continued to make Khatta - Meetha Kadoo for them. It became a staple in our household, a dish that reminded us of our roots and brought us together around the dinner table. I would often think back to that first time I saw the recipe being made, and how it had sparked my love for cooking.

Now, as I pass on the recipe to my children and grandchildren, I feel a sense of pride and joy. I know that this dish will continue to be a part of our family's culinary tradition, passed down from generation to generation. And I hope that one day, my grandchildren will look back on the first time they saw me make Khatta - Meetha Kadoo with the same sense of wonder and admiration that I felt all those years ago.