Name: Indian Pumpkin Curry (One Pot Recipe)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: Vegetable oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1-inch ginger, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; ½ tsp turmeric powder; 1 tsp garam masala; ½ tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste); 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned); 1 cup coconut milk (canned); 4 cups pumpkin, peeled and diced; ½ cup water or vegetable broth; Salt, to taste; Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish); Optional: fresh lime juice

A warm, aromatic, and creamy Indian Pumpkin Curry (One Pot Recipe) made with tender pumpkin chunks, fragrant spices, and a luscious coconut milk base. This one-pot recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for pairing with rice or naan, making it an ideal choice for a comforting meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe transforms basic pantry staples into a rich, flavorful dish with minimal effort. It’s perfect for weeknights yet impressive enough for gatherings. The blend of spices with creamy coconut milk is irresistible, and the one-pot method means less cleanup. Plus, it’s vegetarian, vegan-friendly, and naturally gluten-free, so it suits various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Vegetable oil

Onion, finely chopped

Garlic, minced

Ginger, minced

Ground cumin

Ground coriander

Turmeric powder

Garam masala

Red chili powder

Diced tomatoes (canned)

Coconut milk (canned)

Pumpkin, peeled and diced

Water or vegetable broth

Salt

Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Optional: fresh lime juice

Directions

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add the Spices: Mix in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and red chili powder. Let the spices toast for about 30 seconds to enhance their aroma.

Incorporate the Base: Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

Simmer the Curry: Pour in the coconut milk and water (or broth) and stir to combine. Add the diced pumpkin and season with salt.

Cook Until Tender: Bring the curry to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pumpkin is tender.

Finish and Serve: Adjust the seasoning, garnish with chopped cilantro, and add a squeeze of lime juice if desired. Serve hot with rice or naan.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Add Protein: Stir in cooked chickpeas or lentils for extra protein.

Spicier Curry: Use more red chili powder or add a chopped green chili.

Rich Flavor: Toss in a few cashew nuts or almond flour for added creaminess.

Vegetable Mix: Add other vegetables like carrots or spinach alongside the pumpkin.

Low-Fat Option: Replace coconut milk with light coconut milk or yogurt.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftovers, place the curry in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to adjust the consistency if needed.

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FAQs

How can I make this curry spicier?

You can add extra red chili powder or include fresh green chilies to increase the spice level.

Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh?

While canned pumpkin puree alters the texture, you can use it for a smoother consistency. Reduce the cooking time accordingly.

What can I serve with this curry?

This curry pairs wonderfully with steamed basmati rice, naan, or even quinoa for a healthy alternative.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Sauté the aromatics and spices using the sauté function, then pressure cook the mixture with pumpkin on high for 5 minutes and quick release.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Freeze the curry in portions, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

This Indian Pumpkin Curry (One Pot Recipe) is a delightful blend of spices and creamy coconut goodness that’s perfect for cozy nights or quick meals. Its simplicity and flexibility make it a go-to recipe for busy days. Serve it with your favorite side, and enjoy the warmth and comfort of homemade curry.

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