Introduction

 

Hello, my name is Ajay Chopra and today we will recreate the flavours of the streets with a classic Lucknow Kaddu Puri recipe. As a child, I can still remember the wonderful smell coming from the kitchen as my mother made this delicious dish. It was not just a meal; it was a tradition, a celebration of flavours that remind me of the busy streets of Lucknow. Join me as we explore the rich culinary history of India.

 

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The Recipe of Lucknow Kaddu Puri

 

Portions serving: 7-8

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 60 minutes

 

 

Making Kaddu ki Sabzi

 

Ingredients:

• 500 gms White pumpkin (kaddu)
• 2 Potatoes, peeled
• ¼ cup Mustard oil
• 1 tsp Jeera (cumin seeds)
• ½ tsp Kalonji (nigella seeds)
• ½ tsp Yellow mustard seeds
• ½ tsp Fenugreek seeds
• 2 Bay leaves
• 1 Dry red chili
• 1 tsp Saunf (fennel seeds)
• 1 cup Onion, sliced
• 1 tbsp Green chili, chopped
• 1 tbsp Ginger & garlic paste
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Turmeric powder
• 1 tsp Red chili powder
• 2 tsp Coriander powder
• 1 tbsp Sugar
• ½ tsp Garam masala
• 1 tsp Amchur powder (dry mango powder)
• Water as required
• 1 tbsp Chopped coriander

 

 

Method:

1. Preparation: Wash and clean the white pumpkin and potatoes. Peel and cut them into thick slices.

2. Tempering: Heat mustard oil in a pan and add cumin seeds, nigella seeds, yellow mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, bay leaves, dry red chili, and fennel seeds. Let them splutter.

3. Sauteing: Add sliced onions and chopped green chili. Saute until golden brown. Add ginger and garlic paste and cook until the raw aroma dissipates.

4. Seasoning: Add salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Mix well.

5. Cooking: Add the sliced pumpkin and potatoes. Mix to coat them with the spices. Cover and cook for 7-8 minutes on medium-low heat.

6. Adjusting Consistency: If the mixture appears dry, add water to create a gravy-like consistency. Stir occasionally.

7. Final Touch: Add sugar and amchur powder. Sprinkle chopped coriander. Cook for another minute.

8. Serving: Kaddu ki Sabzi is ready to be served hot with puris and raita.

 

 

Making Puri

 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Wheat flour
• ¼ cup Suji (semolina)
• ½ tsp Kalonji (nigella seeds)
• ½ tsp Salt
• 1 tbsp Oil
• Water as required

 

Method:

1. Preparing the Dough: Mix wheat flour, semolina, salt, nigella seeds, and oil. Knead into a semi-tight dough. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes.

2. Shaping and Frying: Divide the dough into small balls. Flatten each ball into a disc. Fry in hot oil until golden brown.

3. Draining Excess Oil: Remove the puris from the oil and drain on paper towels.

4. Presentation: Serve hot puris with Kaddu ki Sabzi and raita.

 

 

Making Raita

 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Curd
• ¼ tsp Black salt
• 1 tsp Sugar
• ½ tsp Dried mint leaves
• ½ tsp Roasted jeera powder (roasted cumin powder)
• A pinch of Red chili powder
• ¼ cup Boondi (fried chickpea flour balls)
• 1 tsp Chopped coriander

 

Method:

1. Preparing the Base: Whisk together curd, black salt, sugar, dried mint leaves, roasted cumin powder, and red chili powder until smooth.

2. Adding Texture: Fold in boondi and chopped coriander.

3. Final Touch: Adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with roasted cumin powder and boondi.

4. Serving: Serve the refreshing raita with Kaddu ki Sabzi and puris.

 

Enjoy this tasty mix of Kaddu ki Sabzi, Puri, and Raita. Each bite is a blast of different tastes and textures!

 

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About the Recipe

 

If you want to experience the best of Lucknow's lively street food culture, you have to try Lucknow Kaddu Puri. This dish is a culinary masterpiece made with tender pumpkin chunks and a mix of fragrant spices. The subtle sweetness of the pumpkin goes well with the tangy yoghurt dip, creating a symphony of flavours that will delight your taste buds. You can eat it for breakfast, as a hearty dinner, or as a delicious snack. Discover more about Lucknow's rich street food heritage from this article about Lucknow street food.

 

 

Cooking Tips

 

• With a sharp knife, carefully cut the pumpkin open and remove the seeds and peel. Make sure that only the soft meat is used in the dish.
• A little water added while cooking will keep the pumpkin from sticking to the pan and help it cook all the way through.
• By adding more or less chilli powder and other spices, you can change the amount of spice to your liking.

 

 

Pairing Guide

 

Lucknow Kaddu Puri goes well with many sides. For a traditional breakfast, serve it with fresh yoghurt dip and crispy jalebis. For lunch or dinner, give it a try with fragrant basmati rice and tangy tomato chutney for a full meal. Do not forget to drink a glass of chilled lassi or sweetened lemonade to round out the flavours.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions about Lucknow Kaddu Puri

 

1. What is Lucknow Kaddu Puri? Lucknow Kaddu Puri is a traditional Indian dish made with pumpkin chunks cooked in a flavorful spice blend and served with fried puris.

2. Is pumpkin the main ingredient in Lucknow Kaddu Puri? Yes, pumpkin is the primary ingredient in Lucknow Kaddu Puri, lending its unique sweetness and texture to the dish.

3. Can I use any type of pumpkin for this recipe? While any type of pumpkin can be used, it's best to choose a variety that is tender and has a mild flavor.

4. What spices are used in Lucknow Kaddu Puri? The dish is seasoned with a blend of spices including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder, adding depth and warmth to the flavors.

5. How long does it take to cook Lucknow Kaddu Puri? Lucknow Kaddu Puri typically takes around 20-25 minutes to prepare, depending on the size and tenderness of the pumpkin chunks.

6. Can I make Lucknow Kaddu Puri in advance? Yes, you can prepare the pumpkin curry in advance and reheat it before serving. However, it's best to fry the puris just before serving for the best texture.

7. Is Lucknow Kaddu Puri a vegetarian dish? Yes, Lucknow Kaddu Puri is a vegetarian dish, making it suitable for those following a plant-based diet.

8. What can I serve with Lucknow Kaddu Puri? Lucknow Kaddu Puri pairs well with yogurt dip, jalebis, rice, or any other Indian bread like roti or naan.

9. Can I adjust the spice level of Lucknow Kaddu Puri? Yes, you can adjust the spice level according to your preference by adding more or less chili powder and other spices.

10. Is Lucknow Kaddu Puri a popular street food in Lucknow? Yes, Lucknow Kaddu Puri is a beloved street food in Lucknow, often enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or a satisfying snack.

 

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