You've had pumpkin. Now try eating the shoots, leaves and all. They're pretty healthy and delicious - so good as a Dry Curry with Potatoes.
As part of My Blue Tea food budget series, we bring you healthy, easy and inexpensive recipes for the family.
Pumpkin Shoot Curry Farsi ko Munta Recipe
This is a Nepalese recipe. A Nepali friend who moved here taught and shared with us Pumpkin shoots curry and Momos i.e. Nepalese dumplings in the yummiest spicy tomato sauce. Here we use the tender tips, uppermost shoots, baby leaves, thin parts of the stem, tendrils, etc. to make this delicious vegetable known as Farsi ko Munta. The recipe is basic and rustic, normally a bit of potato is added too as it is yummy.
Pumpkin Shoot Curry Recipe
Ingredients:
*3-4 Cups Chopped Pumpkin Greens
*1 Large Potato - Cube or dice
*1 Large Tomato - Grate / Chop
*1/2 Teaspoon Fenugreek Seeds
*1-2 Whole Red Chilies (optional)
*1/2 Teaspoon turmeric powder
*1-2 Tofu (cut to rectangular shape)
*Salt
*Coarsely Paste - grind the ingredients below:
*10 Cloves Garlic.
*1" Ginger.
*2-3 tspn @my.blue.tea Spargo Meat Curry base
Method:
(1) Heat Ghee, add fenugreek seeds and add the Meat Curry base powder, when the Fenugreek seeds changes colour and that it smell fragrant, add potatoes and turmeric powder. A bit of water if required.
(2) When potatoes are half done, add the coarsely ground paste and a minute later add all other ingredients , mix well and cook covered till done.
(3) You most probably wont need to add water. This comes out super delicious. A delicacy from Nepal on to your table all here in Aussie land perhaps from your garden as pumpkins are easily grown here.
Tips:
This dry curry method and recipe is also good with the following veggies (1) Bitter Melon curry (2) Chokos (3) Pumpkins but there area a lot more we can explore and to create with our Super spices. All these produced can be quite easily grown in your own garden.
10 Amazing Health Benefits of Pumpkin Leaves
This tropical vegetable has a rich nutrient profile. One cup (39 g) of pumpkin leaves is only 7 Kcal. Consuming warm liquid (prepared from boiling leaves in water) helps reduce fever and treat intestinal parasites. Moreover, applying the mixture of coconut oil, honey, and pumpkin leaf paste helps treat skin conditions like acne.
1. Promotes Heart Health
The pumpkin leaves are rich in soluble fibre that helps reduce cholesterol absorption. Low cholesterol reduces the risk of heart disorder. Moreover, potassium content helps prevent irregular heartbeat.
2. Lowers the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
The Vitamin B6 content in the pumpkin plant leaves helps curb pain in muscles and joints caused due to arthritis.
3. Help Alleviate Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Manganese in the pumpkin leaves help manage and reduce the situations of headache, mood swings, irritability, and depression.
4. Helps Retain Dental Health
Phosphorus is vital for bone and gum health. The pumpkin leaves contain Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, vital for maintaining gum and teeth health. These nutrients support jaw bone mineral density and tooth enamel that helps hold the tooth in place.
5. Help Strengthen Bones
The leaves have a high amount of calcium and phosphorus, essential for the bones. Consuming it regularly also helps avoid bone and stiff joint pain.
6. Help Fight Colon Cancer
The pumpkin leaves help in treating colon cancer. But how? It contains soluble and insoluble fibre that eases bowel movement. Smooth bowel movement ensures a healthy intestine, preventing cancerous tumour growth in the colon.
7. Supports the Immune System
The pumpkin leaves have abundant iron that plays an essential role in strengthening the body's immune system. A strong immune system enables the body to fight against several disorders and infections. Moreover, iron helps heal the red blood cells, allowing better oxygen flow in cells, tissues, and organs.
8. Provides Supple and Soft Skin
One cup or 39 g of pumpkin leaf contains Vitamin A, helping fulfil approx 4% of the Daily Value. It helps keep away the free radicals and toxins that often damage the skin. Moreover, the high water content in the leaves helps retain moisture, providing soft and supple skin. Moisture retention also helps prevent some skin conditions like psoriasis.
9. Reduces the Risk of Chronic Diseases
Pumpkin contains essential antioxidants, like beta-cryptoxanthin, beta-carotene, and alpha-carotene. It helps protect against the damage caused due to free radicals. Studies show that It plays a vital role in preventing chronic heart and cancer diseases.
10. Help Promote Weight Loss
Pumpkin leaf is a nutrient-dense food. It means it has low calories but high nutrients. The lower calories make it an ideal weight-loss food. Moreover, fibre content helps keep you satiated for a long time.
Check out this Satay Pumpkin Roast Recipe
Get Satay Sauce Pumpkin recipe via MyBlueTea FB Page or follow Dr Janice Thean via her Instagram @ipohgirl1.
See you at Slice of Haven in Laurieton on 28th May
Finally come and savour some Malaysian Chicken Curry, Ayam Goreng ie Spiced Fried Chicken and maybe Creamy Cabbage in Coconut Sauce at the most awaited festival up in the Mid North Coast Slice of Haven, Laurieton on 28th May 2023, Sunday.
Our team will be there with the above plus Spices, Coconut Shakes and printed recipes for you to take home.
Fresh oysters, food, wine, beer and music all in one day and expected 14,000 strong followers in Laurieton.