Bhopalyacha Bharit (Pumpkin Salad)

Or Butternut Squash Bharit to be precise. That is what is easily available here and that is what I used to make this classic Pumpkin side, which was almost like the real thing.

I have come across a lot of people who call this by different names, all valid, I should add - Salad, Koshimbir or Bharit. This is my favourite way of having pumpkin. Use the flesh for this Bharit and make chutney out of the peel on the lines of this one.

I cant really think of anything else to say today, so here simply is the recipe.

Bhopalyacha Bharit

Serves 2

Ingredients

• 1 cup Pumpkin/Butternut Squash cubes
• 1/4 cup Curd
• 1 tblsp Ghee (Clarified Butter) or Oil
• 1 tsp Cumin seeds
• A pinch of Asafoetida
• 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 6-8 curry leaves
• 1 Green Chilli, finely chopped

Method:

Boil the pumpkin cubes until soft and set aside to cool.

Once cool enough to handle, mash them coarsely with the back of a fork.

Add the salt and curd and mix well. Adjust the quantity of curd as per your preference.

To prepare the tempering, heat the oil/ghee and once hot add the cumin seeds. As they begin to sizzle add the Asafoetida, turmeric powder and curry leaves.

Add the green chilli, give it a stir, switch off the flame and add the tempering to the above prepared Bharit and mix well.

Serve as a side with Chapati/Roti.

Note: Using Ghee for the tempering gives it a very special & unique taste.