Traditional Pumpkin Stew with Garlic Yoghurt and Mint Recipe
A traditional and comforting pumpkin stew cooked gently on the stovetop with aromatic spices, tomato, and a refreshing garlic yogurt topping. This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of pumpkin balanced with turmeric, tomato paste, and a hint of chilli for mild heat, perfect for a wholesome and flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Traditional
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp olive oil (or neutral oil)
- 1 onion (halved and thinly sliced)
- 3 garlic cloves (thinly sliced)
- 1 fresh chilli (thinly sliced, seeds removed if preferred)
- 30 g tomato paste
- ¾ tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp sugar
- 150 ml water
- 500 g peeled pumpkin (cut into large pieces)
- 200 g tomato (sliced ½ cm / ¼ in thick)
- 1 tsp dried mint
- salt and black pepper to taste
Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 1 garlic clove
- 125 g thick yoghurt
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the onion: Heat a large heavy-bottomed pan with a lid over medium heat. Add the oil and fry the thinly sliced onion until soft but not colored, about 12–15 minutes. Stir regularly to prevent browning and add a splash of water if the pan gets too hot.
- Add garlic, chilli, and tomato paste: Add in the sliced garlic, fresh chilli, and tomato paste. Fry continuously, stirring for about 1 minute until everything is completely mixed and fragrant.
- Incorporate spices and water: Stir in the ground turmeric, sugar, and water thoroughly to create a flavorful sauce base.
- Add pumpkin and tomato: Add the pumpkin pieces to the pan and turn to coat them in the sauce. Arrange the tomato slices evenly on top. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover with a lid and reduce heat to low.
- Cook until tender: Let it gently simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring gently once or twice to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. The pumpkin should become tender but not mushy.
- Prepare garlic yogurt: Meanwhile, crush the remaining garlic clove with a pinch of salt into a paste. Mix this paste with the thick yogurt and lemon juice. Season with salt, black pepper, and additional lemon juice if desired.
- Serve: Transfer the pumpkin and sauce to a serving dish. Dollop spoonfuls of the garlic yogurt over the top and sprinkle generously with dried mint. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Adjust chilli quantity or remove seeds to control heat level.
- Be gentle when stirring to keep the pumpkin pieces intact.
- The garlic yogurt topping adds a cool, tangy contrast that brightens the dish.
- Can be served as a main vegetarian dish or a side with grilled meats.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated on the stovetop.
Keywords: pumpkin stew, garlic yogurt sauce, traditional vegetable dish, stovetop pumpkin recipe, turmeric pumpkin
