Chaal Kumro Chingri (white pumpkin with shrimps)

Posted by: Mala D

Chaal kumro was explained nicely by another blogger Pratima D here,i just want to add that this vegetable is considered a "non-veg" item! On Kali Puja night, those who want to avoid an animal sacrifice, offer chaal kumro to the Goddess. This recipe is considered a Bong delicacy & is also cooked using Laou (bottle gourd) instead of white pumpkin but I feel it tastes better with chaal kumro.

Ingredients:
White pumpkin: 1/2 kg
Shrimps: 150-200 gms,medium-sized
Mustard oil/refined oil: 1-1/2 tbsp
Turmeric powder: 2tsp
Red chilli powder: 1-1/2 tsp
Salt: to taste
Sugar: 1/2 tsp
Corriander leaves: a handful
Green chillies: 2-4
Nigella seeds(kalonji/kala jeera)

Method:
Peel & de-vein the shrimps, their heads should already be removed at the fish monger's. Wash properly & drain the water. Put them in a bowl & apply 1 tsp turmeric powder,1 tsp red chilli powder & 1/4 tsp salt. Mix well & keep aside for 10-15 minutes.

Meanwhile, peel, deseed & cut the white pumpkin into small pieces. Wash well & drain in a sieve.

Heat oil in a frying pan, add the shrimp, keep tossing for about 2 minutes & take them out. In the same oil, add kala jeera & sliced green chillies, when they crackle, add the white pumpkin. Toss them for a while, add salt & 1 tsp turmeric & 1/2 tsp red chilli powder & mix  well. Cover & cook it on low flame. Chaal kumro releases a lot of water so extra water is not needed. Keep checking from time to time. When it's 3/4 done, add sugar & toss around. Now add the fried shrimps & mix them with the curry. Shrimps cooks really fast, about 3-4 minutes in total time, so just cook the curry on a high flame to dry out the water if any. Dish out & garnish with chopped corriander leaves. Serve hot with rice.