Indian Pumpkin Curry (Kaddu ka Bharta)

This Indian pumpkin curry is a delicious and healthy vegetable curry that can be made in less than 30 minutes for a weeknight dinner. Vegan & gluten free! 

I have shared an instant pot pumpkin curry recipe before, this time I am sharing a mashed pumpkin curry. This is a Punjabi style pumpkin curry, also called pethe ki subzi (petha is pumpkin in Punjabi).

This is like curried mashed pumpkin. If you like pumpkin, it is going to be a favorite for sure!

It is a sweet and spicy pumpkin curry recipe. It has the sweetness of the pumpkin, spiciness of the Indian spices and tanginess of the dry mango powder or lime juice.

Some people call this curry Pumpkin Bharta, or Kaddu ka bharta, which is an apt name, as it is a mashed similar to baingan bharta.

Traditionally this curry is made with red pumpkin. However you can also use kabocha squash or butternut squash to make this easy pumpkin curry. Enjoy it with paratha or naan, or even better with poori.

Another way I have been using all the pumpkins is making pumpkin puree, which can be used in a variety of dishes. I have used it in pancakes, parathas, and pie's already.

And if you want to try a Thai curry, check out this Thai Pumpkin Red Curry made in the instant pot. Or air fryer roasted pumpkin as a wonderful Fall side dish.

Jump to:

• Health benefits of pumpkin
• How to make?
• Pro Tips
• Indian Pumpkin Curry (Kaddu ka bharta)

Health benefits of pumpkin

The bright orange color of pumpkin means that it is loaded with an important antioxidant, beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in the body. Beta-carotene offers protection against diseases as well as some degenerative aspects of aging.

Pumpkins also have loads of fiber, and they are low in calories. Hence they are a great way to include fiber rich vegetables in your diet or to add to a low carb/keto diet.

How to make?

This is an easy recipe, that can be made on the stovetop or in a pressure cooker.

The hardest part is peeling and cutting the pumpkin. You don't have to cut very small pieces as after cooking, we are going to mash the pumpkin.

I like to cook this curry in ghee. It adds tremendously to the taste. You can also make ghee at home in the instant pot, see recipe here. To keep this curry vegan, use your favorite plant based oil.

Stovetop Method

Start with heating a large pan on medium-high heat. Add ghee, and then and sauté cumin seeds, chilies, onion, ginger and garlic. After the onions have softened, add tomato, and spices. Stir well.

Now add the pumpkin pieces, and some water. Give it a quick stir.

Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes on medium heat, stirring in between.

Check that the pumpkin is softened by mashing a piece.

Then add the garam masala, amchur powder (dry mango powder), and sugar (or jaggery) and mix well.

You can enjoy the pumpkin curry as is with chunks or mash it using a potato masher.

Garnish with cilantro and enjoy with roti or paratha.

Pressure Cooker Method

Follow the same steps as above. After adding the pumpkin, spices and water, pressure cook for 2-3 whistles on medium-high heat.

If using an instant pot, pressure cook for 4 minutes on high pressure.

Then follow the steps to mash the pumpkin. If there is any residual water, which may happen depending on the pumpkin, you can change to saute mode and cook for couple of minutes. 

Garnish with cilantro leaves and enjoy!

Pro Tips

• If the pumpkin is not as sweet, then you can add some sugar, but this is completely optional.
• You can choose to eat the pumpkin curry as is or you can mash some pieces using a masher. Both ways tastes great in my opinion.
• Do not skip adding the amchur powder (or lime juice). This adds a wonderful tangy flavor to the curry.

What to pair with pumpkin curry?

• Enjoy with parathas (indian flatbread) or naan.
• A side of yogurt or raita goes great with this curry.
• A light lentil soup (moong dal - yellow or green) or Chana Dal.

Enjoy this easy and delicious Pumpkin Curry.

More Indian curry recipes you will love:

• Ragda (yellow peas curry)
• Aloo Wadiyan
• Rajma
• Aloo Methi