Lal Bhoplyacha Bharit Recipe (Red Pumpkin Raita)

Lal Bhoplyache Bharit is a Maharashtrian side dish made by mixing steamed red pumpkin, curd, crushed groundnuts and is then tempered with flavourful spices. The recipe is very quick and uses simple day-to-day ingredients. This appetising raita is a great side dish even if you are fasting and is sure to win over even those who do not like pumpkin.  Kaddu (Parangikai/ Pumpkin), Hung Curd (Greek Yogurt), Oil, Cumin seeds (Jeera), Green Chillies, Groundnut powder, Asafoetida (hing), Sugar, Salt, Coriander (Dhania) Leaves   250 grams Kaddu (Parangikai/ Pumpkin) , peeled and chopped 3/4 cup Hung Curd (Greek Yogurt) , whisked (adjust) 1 tablespoon Oil , (or ghee) 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds (Jeera) 2 to 3 Green Chillies , chopped 2 tablespoons Groundnut powder , roasted 1/4 teaspoon Asafoetida (hing) 1 teaspoon Sugar Salt , Salt to taste Coriander (Dhania) Leaves , few, chopped for garnish (optional)     10   15     To begin making the Lal Bhoplyacha Bharit, steam or microwave the pumpkin till soft. Drain any excess water from it.Roughly mash the pumpkin pieces, leaving some chunks. Cool it down.Add curd, salt, sugar, groundnut powder and mix everything well.In a tadka pan, heat ghee. Add the cumin seeds, hing and green chillies. Pour this tempering over the raita, mix and serve.Serve Lal Bhoplyacha Bharit with roti for a light weekday lunch or with Bhagar or Sabudana Khichdi for a fasting feast or serve it with Kala Vatana Amti and Phulkas.