Ayote en Miel - Karnataka Style

Ingredients

In the original Mexican dish, Ayote en Miel, the pumpkin is cooked in a syrup made with piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar) and flavored with cinnamon. In this Karnataka adaptation, we use jaggery (unrefined cane sugar) instead of piloncillo, and add cardamom and cloves to enhance the flavor profile. The spices used in the Karnataka version give it a distinct aroma and taste, making it a unique and delicious dish. We alse have the original recipe for Ayote en miel, so you can check it out.

• 500 grams (1.1 lbs) pumpkin, peeled and cut into cubes 500 grams (1.1 lbs) pumpkin, peeled and cut into cubes
• 200 grams (7 oz) jaggery, grated 200 grams (7 oz) jaggery, grated
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cardamom pods, crushed 4 cardamom pods, crushed
• 4 cloves 4 cloves
• 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter) 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 tablespoon chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, or pistachios) for garnish 1 tablespoon chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, or pistachios) for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 40g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.01g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pan, heat the ghee over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the grated jaggery to the pan and stir until it melts and forms a syrup.
4. 4.
   Add the pumpkin cubes to the pan and mix well to coat them with the syrup.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the pumpkin cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until it becomes tender.
6. 6.
   Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
7. 7.
   Once the pumpkin is cooked and the syrup has thickened, remove from heat.
8. 8.
   Garnish with chopped nuts and serve warm.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pumpkin — Make sure to choose a firm and ripe pumpkin for the best results.
• Jaggery — If jaggery is not available, you can substitute it with brown sugar or palm sugar.
• Ghee — If you prefer a vegan version, you can substitute ghee with vegetable oil.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or saffron to the syrup.
• Serve the dish warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
• Adjust the sweetness according to your preference by adding more or less jaggery.

Serving advice

Serve the Karnataka Style Sweet Pumpkin Delight as a dessert or a sweet accompaniment to a traditional Karnataka meal. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors.

Presentation advice

Present the dish in a shallow bowl, allowing the vibrant orange pumpkin cubes to be the star of the show. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture and visual appeal.