Kumro Bata /Pumpkin Mash (with or without shrimp)
When you hear pumpkin mash, your mind goes straight to the one that is made with cream and cheese and served as a side with roasted chicken. Not this one! The recipe that I am going to share with all is the Bengali version that tastes awesome with steamed rice. Bengalis love fish and in this one I have used shrimps/chingri. If you are a vegetarian, do not worry, just omit the shrimps from the recipe and the result will be equally delicious. Read on, below you will find that I have provided both the recipes, with and without shrimp.
Ingredients
- Pumpkin
- Shrimps
- Bay leaves
- Ginger paste
- Chilly paste
- Coriander powder
- Cumin powder
- Turmeric
- Sugar
- Salt
Preparation
- Slice the pumpkin into small pieces.
- Heat oil in a pan and add bay leaves (tej patta). Add shrimps.
- Once the prawns are fried, add ginger chillies paste, cumin, coriander, sugar, salt, and turmeric. Mix well.
- Now add the pumpkin slices to the pan and fry well. Add required amount of water for the pumpkin to cook. Cover and boil.
- Once cooked, mash the pumpkin with the back of the ladle. Add garam masala powder and mix well. Garnish with slit green chillies.
This dish can also be made pure veg. – Instead of shrimps add boiled Bengal grams (chana) and grated coconut. Grated coconut can also be added to the shrimp recipe.