AFGHAN-STYLE PUMPKIN (WITH YOGURT SAUCE)

Afghan-Style Pumpkin (With Yogurt Sauce) image

Provided by Mark Bittman

Time 45m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

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Ingredients

2 tablespoons neutral oil, like grapeseed or corn
1 medium onion, chopped
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 minced fresh chili, like jalapeño or Thai, seeds removed
8 cups 1-inch cubes pumpkin flesh
1 1/2 cups chicken, beef or vegetable stock, plus more as needed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 pound ground beef (optional)
1-14 1/2-ounce can crushed tomatoes (double if omitting the meat)
1/4 teaspoon coriander
1 cup yogurt, preferably whole-milk
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, plus more for garnish
1 teaspoon minced garlic

Steps:

Put the oil in a pot or deep skillet that can later be covered on medium-high heat. When hot, add the onion and cook until browned, about 10 minutes. Add the turmeric, ginger and chili, and cook for another 2 minutes, until aromatic.
Add pumpkin and stock; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover and turn heat to low. Cook, stirring once or twice, until pumpkin is tender, 15 to 30 minutes. Check periodically to make sure there is adequate liquid; if the pumpkin is done and the liquid is thin, remove lid and turn the heat to medium-high. Boil mixture until thick; taste and adjust seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. When hot, add garlic. If using ground beef, add it and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and coriander and reduce heat to low; simmer until the mixture thickens, 5 to 10 minutes.
Combine the yogurt, mint, minced garlic, salt and pepper in a bowl and stir.
Spoon the ground beef or tomato sauce over the pumpkin. Top with yogurt sauce and more fresh mint and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 135, UnsaturatedFat 5 grams, Carbohydrate 16 grams, Fat 7 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 5 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 570 milligrams, Sugar 8 grams, TransFat 0 grams