Afghan Sauteed Pumpkin (Kadu Bouranee) is one of the most known dishes outside the country. Pumpkin or butternut squash is cooked in spices and served with the amazing yogurt garlic sauce. So good and so easy to make!
A few days ago I spun my old well-worn desk globe (got it as a birthday present when I was 6 years old, and YEAH back then kids were interested in exploring the world instead of spending all the time on the internet, shocker!) and my finger landed on exotic Afghanistan. It's one of those countries we hear about everyday on the news, most of which are not cheerful. However, this time we will talk about something beautiful, the thing that unites nations all around the world - food.
Afghan cuisine offers a wide variety of finger-biting-good dishes such as Qabili Palau, Korma, Bolani, Aushak and many others but I wanted something different. While browsing the blog of the amazing Humaira Ghilzai about Afghan culture, I came across this sweet and savory pumpkin dish called Borani Kadoo, Kadu Bouranee or Borani Kadu. I think it's still not a complete list of spellings but I give up already, guys and gals. These are the most popular ones.
Kadu or Kadoo means pumpkin, while Borani or Bouranee refers to yogurt based appetizer or dip. Simple as that. This Afghan pumpkin recipe became popular in Western countries only in the last decade. It was brought by U.S. and European soldiers who were mesmerized by the taste of this simple, yet comforting dish. It is said that it was their favorite local food. I am not surprised at all.
Kadu Bouranee is made of pumpkin or butternut squash sauteed with spices and topped with the yogurt garlic sauce. Sounds amazing, isn't it? Sweet pumpkin goes really well with the tartness of tomatoes and freshness of the yogurt garlic sauce.
In the Afghani restaurants based in the US and Europe Kadu Bouranee is sometimes served hot with some sort of meat sauce but in Afghanistan, the vegetarian version of the dish is preferred. They serve it as an appetizer hot or cold, usually with Naan bread.
Afghan Sauteed Pumpkin - Kadu Bouranee
Ingredients
For the pumpkin:
- 4 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 lb (900g) pumpkin or butternut squash, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 14 oz (400g) can chopped or crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup (50g) sugar
- 1 teaspoon ginger, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup water or vegetable / chicken broth (plus more if needed)
For the sauce:
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the garnish:
- fresh or dry mint leaves, cut into small strips
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan on a medium heat. Add the onion and saute until golden brown (4-5 minutes). Add the garlic, turmeric, ginger, sugar, salt, pepper and cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously, until fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes and water or broth and bring to a boil, stirring frequently.
- Add the pumpkin and stir again. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 25-30 minutes, until pumpkin is tender, but still holding its shape. Stir few times while cooking. Check periodically to see if there is enough liquid. If the pan gets dry, add more.
- To make the sauce, combine the yogurt, garlic and salt.
- Serve the pumpkin with Naan bread and the yogurt sauce on top.
Elizabeth
Thank you! Just made this and loved it. It was really filling, even though I just ate it plain without the naan. And my 7 year old picky eater even ate a small bowl: he says it was "uncommon tasting" and "kind of heavy". Love your blog and website!
Igor
Thank you for the comment, Elizabeth! I am so happy that you and your child loved this exotic pumpkin 🙂
Celia Spivack
This looks really delicious, but despite reading and re-reading, I cannot find the quantity or style of tomatoes in the recipe itself.
Igor
Oops, sorry, my mistake! Thanks for pointing it out. It's a 14 oz. (400g) can crushed or chopped tomatoes. I have added it to the ingredient list. Thanks one more time!
Glenda
Wow, amazing dish, found your recipe and made it tonight, so different! Will keep this one in my mind and use as my ‘go to’ recipe!
pvogen
Made for Thanksgiving this year! I thought your article was a VERY helpful read, Thank You! I added lots of more spice (Cardamom, Fennel Seed, Lots of Cumin, Pimenton, Chili Flakes, Cayenne) and omitted the sugar. It turned out perfect! Wonderful texture and flavor! I also garnished with fresh Tarragon and Spearmint leaves, Toasted Pepitas (which added a texture element) and a Middle Eastern Pomegranate Molasses.
My husband requested this dish for Christmas too! WIN!!
Nico
Excellent! We used pumpkin grown in our garden here in Atlixco, Puebla, Mexico. The recipe comes together easily and quickly (once the pumpkin is peeled) and it is delicious! We’ve made it twice so far and will make it again often.