Indian Pumpkin Curries: Fish and Salted Fish Recipes

(Updated Version)

Pumpkin lovers, rejoice. If you're like me, you can't get enough of this versatile vegetable. I have a soft spot for our local Malaysian pumpkins, which are not only budget-friendly but also pack a punch in flavor. I once made the mistake of splurging on a tiny Japanese pumpkin, lured in by its exotic allure, only to be shocked at the checkout when it cost me around $15.00. After cooking it, I realized our local pumpkins are just as delightful, if not better. The lesson? Appreciate and savor local produce - it’s often more affordable and just as delicious.

Today, I'm sharing two savory pumpkin curry recipes that will make your taste buds dance. One features fresh fish (CAPE TOWN INDIAN FISH CURRY), and the other, salted fish. Have you ever tried these combinations? The natural sweetness of pumpkin blends wonderfully with the spices, creating a taste sensation that's both sweet and savory. Add salted fish, and you get an irresistible mix of saltiness, sweetness, and spiciness. Intrigued? Don’t worry if you’re new to making curry; any basic Indian curry recipe will do. Just add your choice of fish and you’re set for a meal that’ll impress even Ms. Nava (PORTUGUESE DEVIL CURRY).

Easiest Indian Pumpkin Fish Curry

Ingredients

5 pieces of mackerel (tossed with turmeric powder)

1/2 small pumpkin (skin on, seeds removed, sliced)

Dried fenugreek leaves – to taste

Fish curry powder (mixed with water to make a paste)

Tamarind juice – to taste

2 sliced onions

½ tbsp ginger paste

½ tbsp garlic paste

½ tbsp fenugreek seeds

½ tbsp black mustard seeds

1/4 cup oil

Salt – to taste

Water – as needed

 

Method

Heat oil in a pan, then add onions, ginger paste, garlic paste, fenugreek seeds, and black mustard seeds.

When the seeds start popping, stir in the fish curry powder until the oil separates.

Add the pumpkin slices and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Pour in water and cook until the pumpkin is nearly tender.

Gently stir in the fish, salt, and tamarind juice.

Cook until the fish is done, then remove from heat.

Garnish with dried fenugreek leaves/kasuri methi leaves..

Simple Indian Pumpkin Salted Fish Curry

This recipe mirrors the pumpkin fish curry but features a vibrant reddish hue thanks to a mix of plain chili powder and fish curry powder.

For added authenticity, use curry leaves and salted fish.

If you’re craving a classic salted fish curry with pumpkin, check out the recipe for MOCHAKOTTAI KARUVADU KULAMBU/SALTED FISH CURRY).