Kadu Bourani (Afghan Sweet Pumpkin with Garlic Yogurt)
Local name: کدو بورانی
In short: Golden slices of pumpkin fried and simmered until sweet and soft, laid over garlic yogurt with dried mint and walnuts. It takes about 50 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 35 min
- Total
- 50 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 300 kcal
Kadu bourani is one of the best-known Afghan vegetable dishes, a plate of sweet, caramelized pumpkin laid over cool, garlicky yogurt. The pumpkin is fried for color, then simmered with sugar and a little water until it is soft but still holds its shape. The contrast of warm and cold, sweet and sharp, is the whole idea. Serve it with flatbread as a starter, a side or a light main.
Instructions
- Stir the yogurt with the garlic and salt in a bowl and chill until needed.
- Heat the oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Fry the pumpkin slabs in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden at the edges.
- Return all the pumpkin to the pan. Sprinkle with the sugar, salt and coriander, then add the water.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once very gently, until the pumpkin is tender and the pan juices are syrupy.
- Spread the garlic yogurt on a platter and lay the warm pumpkin on top, spooning over the pan syrup.
- Sprinkle with the dried mint, walnuts and coriander and serve warm with flatbread.
Tips
- Choose a firm, sweet pumpkin such as butternut. Watery varieties turn mushy before they caramelize. Cut the pieces evenly so they cook at the same speed.
- For a richer version, stir 1 tablespoon of tomato paste into the pan with the water. Lightly toasting the walnuts adds extra crunch.
Questions and answers
Can I make kadu bourani ahead of time?
The pumpkin keeps for 2 days in the fridge. Reheat it gently or serve it at room temperature, and keep the yogurt separate until just before serving.
Is kadu bourani vegetarian?
Yes. It contains only pumpkin, yogurt and seasonings. Serve it with flatbread, or skip the bread for a gluten-free meal.
Can I roast the pumpkin instead of frying?
Yes. Toss it with 2 tablespoons of oil and roast at 200°C (400°F) for 30 minutes, then glaze it with the sugar and water in a pan for 5 minutes.
How long does it take to make Kadu Bourani (Afghan Sweet Pumpkin with Garlic Yogurt)?
About 50 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 35 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Kadu Bourani (Afghan Sweet Pumpkin with Garlic Yogurt)?
About 300 kcal per serving, with 6 g of protein, 40 g of carbohydrates and 13 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 300 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
