Sweet pumpkin and capsicum curry (oorvatlu)

A very traditional Sankethi recipe, known as oorvatlu, this one's made on all festive days especially during sankranthi when avrekai (flat beans) season is in full swing.. Though in bangalore avrekai is available at all times of the year now i prefer to make it without them at this time of the year since the ones available now has no such taste compared to the ones available during the season. It can be relished with idli, dosa, chapathi but tastes best with rice.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Serves: 7

Ingredients:

1. Sweet pumpkin 500 gms
2. Capsicum 2
3. Dhania seeds 3 teaspoons
4. Mustard seeds 2 teaspoons
5. Jaggery 1/4 cup
6. Salt
7. Water
8. Coriander leaves
9. Fresh coconut 2 cups
10. Curry leaves
11. Dry red chillies 18-20

Method:

1. Cut sweet pumpkins into cubes and cook them till tender. Follow the same for capsicums as well.
2. In a mixer grind fresh coconut, coriander leaves, dhania seeds, 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds to a fine paste.
3. Once vegetables are cooked add the grind paste, salt and let it boil.
4. Add jaggery and let it boil.
5. Now make a seasoning of mustard seeds and curry leaves. Serve hot.

Variation: This curry can also be made with beetroot and lady's finger.