Ambal

Name: Ambal
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Dogra
Ingredients: 500 g Pumpkin; 3 tbsp tamarind pulp; 2 tbsp Jaggery; 3 tbsp mustard oil; 1 tsp Cumin seeds; 1 tsp fennel powder; 0.5 tsp turmeric powder; 1 tsp Red chilli powder; 1 tsp Salt

A sweet and tangy pumpkin curry cooked with tamarind and jaggery, one of the essential dishes served at a traditional Dogra dham feast.

🇮🇳India· Jammu and Kashmir

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 30 min
Total: 45 min
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Calories: 180 kcal

Equipment

•Heavy pot

Nutrition

Per serving, approximate

Calories: 180 kcal
fat: 7 g
carbs: 30 g
fibre: 3 g
protein: 2 g
calories: 180 kcal

Instructions

1
Heat mustard oil in a pot. Add cumin seeds and sizzle them until they crackle.
2
Add the pumpkin cubes. Fry them gently for a few minutes.
3
Add turmeric, red chilli powder and fennel powder. Stir well to coat the pumpkin.
4
Add a little water and cover the pot. Cook until the pumpkin is soft and starts breaking down.
5
Stir in the tamarind pulp and jaggery. Mix everything together well.
6
Simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, mashing the pumpkin lightly. Cook until thick and glossy.
7
Taste and adjust the salt and sweetness before serving.

Chef's tips

Cook the pumpkin until it turns soft and jammy instead of staying in firm cubes. Balance the tamarind and jaggery carefully for a good sweet and sour taste.