Spicy Pumpkin

• Gourds are very popular in Southern India, especially sweet-tasting pumpkin, which goes well with spices.

Ingredients:
1 ½ lb (750g) pumpkin, peeled and cut in 1 in (2 ½ cm) pieces
3 tablespoons oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon brown mustard seeds
2 springs curry leaves
1 tablespoon fish or chicken curry powder
2-3 teaspoons chili powder
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
2 cups (500ml) water
1 teaspoon salt
Sugar to taste

• Prepare the pumpkin and set aside. Heat the oil and fry the onion until golden, then add mustard seed and curry leaves and fry until mustard seeds pop. Add the spice powders and fry for 30 seconds, then put in pumpkin and stir for a minute or two, until well coated with spices. Slowly add the water, stirring, then add salt and sugar to taste. Simmer, uncovered, until tender and dry.