Name: Khoresh Kadu Halvaee
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Persian
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 2 dried limes (limoo amani), pierced with a fork; 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 cup water; 2 pounds kabocha squash or other pumpkin, peeled and cut into chunks; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice (optional); Cooked rice, for serving

Description

Khoresh Kadu Halvaee is a comforting Persian pumpkin stew made with tender pumpkin, tangy dried limes, tomatoes, and warm spices. This vegetarian dish is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for autumn meals.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
2 dried limes (limoo amani), pierced with a fork
1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 cup water
2 pounds kabocha squash or other pumpkin, peeled and cut into chunks
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice (optional)
Cooked rice, for serving

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Instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, nutmeg, cumin, cardamom, and salt. Cook the spices with the onion and garlic for 1 minute.
Add the dried limes, crushed tomatoes, and water. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the pumpkin chunks, stir gently, cover the pot, and simmer over low heat for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender.
Stir in lime juice if using, adjust seasoning to taste, and simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
Serve hot over cooked rice.

Notes

You can substitute kabocha with butternut squash or sugar pumpkin.
If dried limes are unavailable, substitute with a splash of fresh lime or lemon juice.
This stew tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Persian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 220
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg