Crispy Pumpkin Leaf Parcels with Spiced Pumpkin Filling
30 minutes
1094 reads

About Crispy Pumpkin Leaf Parcels with Spiced Pumpkin Filling
Imagine biting into a crispy, golden parcel bursting with the warm, earthy flavors of spiced pumpkin. These incredible pumpkin leaf fritters offer a uniquely delicious way to experience this versatile vegetable.Tender pumpkin leaves embrace a fragrant filling of spiced pumpkin, then take a dip in a light chickpea batter before being shallow-fried to perfection. Inspired by Bengali cuisine, these moreish bites are delightful as a snack, appetizer, or alongside your favorite meal. The delightful contrast of textures and the harmonious blend of earthy pumpkin and aromatic spices create a truly memorable culinary experience.
Recipe Time & More
Prep10 minutes
Cook20 minutes
Total30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Filling
- 1 cup Pumpkin cubed (about 250g), yellow
- 1 Chili Pepper finely chopped, green
- 1/4 cup Coriander freshly chopped
- 1 tbsp Poppy Seeds
- 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
- 1 tsp Vegetable Oil
For the Pumpkin Leaf Parcels
- 6-8 Pumpkin Leaves large, soft and spotless
For the Chickpea Batter
- 1/4 cup Gram Flour besan
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1/2 tsp Chili Powder red
- 1/2 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 1/4 tsp Asafoetida hing
- 1/2 tsp Salt
For Shallow Frying
- 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil or as needed
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the pumpkin leaves and set aside.
- Steam or boil the cubed pumpkin until tender. Ensure the pumpkin is dry after steaming, as excess moisture can make the filling difficult to work with.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed pumpkin, chopped green chili, chopped cilantro, poppy seeds, salt, and oil. Mix well to combine.
- Place a pumpkin leaf on a flat surface. Add a spoonful of the pumpkin filling in the center. Fold the leaf over the filling to create a parcel. Secure the parcel with a toothpick.
- In another bowl, prepare the chickpea batter. Whisk together the gram flour, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin seeds, asafoetida, and salt. Add water gradually until a smooth batter is formed.
- Heat oil in a shallow pan over medium heat. Dip each pumpkin parcel in the chickpea batter, ensuring it's fully coated. Gently place the battered parcels in the hot oil.
- Shallow fry the parcels, turning occasionally, until both sides are golden brown and crispy. This allows the filling to heat through and the batter to become perfectly crisp.
- Remove the fried parcels from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- These fritters can be enjoyed as snacks or served as a side dish with steamed rice, khichdi, pulao, and more.
- Blanch the pumpkin leaves in hot water for 20-30 seconds and pat them dry before filling to prevent tearing while rolling.
- For a heartier filling, add roasted peanuts or crushed paneer to the mashed pumpkin mixture.
- If you need a vegan and gluten-free option, ensure your asafoetida (hing) is pure and doesn't contain wheat flour.
- These fritters are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the filled leaves in advance and refrigerate them. Fry them just before serving to maintain crispiness.
Expert Tips
- Experiment with different spices in the pumpkin filling, such as cumin, coriander, or garam masala, to customize the flavor profile.
- For a thinner, crispier fritter, use a slightly thinner batter. For a thicker, softer fritter, use a thicker batter.
- Serve these fritters with a side of chutney or raita for dipping.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for best results.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 276kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 2gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12.6gSodium: 1710mg
4 Comments
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.




Such a great recipe! Can’t wait to try it.
Thanks for the inspiration! Looks tasty.
This is a fantastic recipe! Thanks for sharing.
This looks incredible! Thank you.