Sweet & Savory Kumror Chakka (Bengali Pumpkin & Chickpea Curry)
25 minutes
948 reads

About Sweet & Savory Kumror Chakka (Bengali Pumpkin & Chickpea Curry)
Imagine tender pumpkin and hearty chickpeas mingling in a symphony of warming spices. This vibrant Kumror Chakka, a beloved Bengali comfort food, is a simple yet deeply satisfying dish that will nourish your body and soul.Ginger, turmeric, and green chilies dance together, creating a balanced blend of sweet and savory flavors. This wholesome recipe is surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a leisurely weekend brunch.Enjoy a bowl of fragrant Kumror Chakka with fluffy roti, flaky paratha, or steamed rice for a truly authentic experience. You'll quickly understand why this dish is a cherished classic.
Recipe Time & More
Prep10 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Total25 minutes
Ingredients
Pantry
- 50 gm Chickpeas kala chana, black, boiled
- 1 tsp Ginger grated
- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tsp Bengali Five-Spice
- 1 tsp Bengali Five-Spice roasted and ground
- 2 tbsp Coconut Paste
- 1 tbsp Mustard Oil
- 1.5 tsp Salt or to taste
Instructions
- Grate the pumpkin. Boil the black chickpeas until tender. This ensures they cook evenly in the curry.
- Heat the mustard oil in a pan or pot over medium heat. Add the dried red chilies and panch phoran. Sauté briefly until fragrant. This blooms the spices and enhances their flavor.
- Add the grated pumpkin, boiled chickpeas, grated ginger, turmeric powder, coconut paste, and salt to the pan. Stir well to combine.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pumpkin softens and the flavors meld, about 10-12 minutes. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
- Finally, stir in the roasted and ground panch phoran. This adds a deeper layer of flavor to the dish.
- Serve hot with chapati, paratha, or steamed rice.
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- For deeper flavor, lightly roast the panch phoran in the pan until fragrant before adding other ingredients. Be careful not to burn the spices for a balanced taste.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash a portion of the cooked pumpkin cubes with the back of your spoon and mix it into the dish to naturally thicken the gravy.
- For a subtle sweetness, add a few raisins or a pinch of jaggery during cooking. This enhances the pumpkin’s natural flavor and balances the heat from the chilies.
- To make this dish vegan and gluten-free while adding extra texture, garnish with fried coconut flakes or roasted peanuts just before serving.
Expert Tips
- Adjust the amount of green chilies to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Freshly grated ginger adds a vibrant flavor to this dish. If you don't have fresh ginger, you can substitute with a pinch of ground ginger.
- For a richer flavor, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil when sautéing the spices.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 62kcalFat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.2gSodium: 1710mg
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I’m in love with this recipe already!
This is awesome! Can’t wait to cook it.
This looks so tasty! Thank you.
Absolutely mouthwatering! Great share.
This looks incredible! I need to try it.