What is Kumro Pata Torkari ?
Kumro means pumpkin, pata means leaves and torkari means curry. The dish is also referred to as Kumro Data Torkari, where data refers to the stems or stalks. Not many people are aware that both Pumpkin stems and leaves are edible and delicious. It is used in various different ways in Bengali meals. What I am sharing today is a simple pumpkin leave recipe Bengali style, and will be sharing more dishes using these leaves and stems. Pumpkin is one of my fav vegetables and I planted the seeds mainly to enjoy the blossoms and hopefully pumpkin too during Fall. What I had completely forgotten is how tasty these stems and leaves are. My Mom reminded me of the Kumro Pata torkari that she used to make quite often. So, I gave it a go. And the entire meal took me back home.
Ingredients for Kumro Pata Torkari
Pumpkin leaves and stems – Use both the tender and the big onesNigella seedsPotatoEggplantTurmericBengali Bhaaja Moshla (recipe here). It’s a mix of coriander, cumin and fennel powderGreen chiliSaltMustard oil or regular vegetable oil
You can definitely prepare the same dish using squash or zucchini stems/stalks and leaves. The taste will obviously differ very mildly.
How to trim the Pumpkin leaves (Kumro Pata/ Kumro Data)
Keep in mind that the pumpkin stems are little prickly. So definitely wear a glove. You want to trim the secondary vines from the main vines. Pruning pumpkin stems and leaves will allow more air flow to the center of the plant and better growth.
Preparing the stems or the stalks before cooking the Kumro Pata Chorchori
The stems are prickly and needs some time to prep. The stalks or the stems are hollow like straws. And you need to gently peel off the outer prickly layer. It’s easy with a small paring knife. Once that layer comes off, the kumro data (stems or stalks) will feel smooth. Growing pumpkin plant is super easy and to my biggest surprise it didn’t even need any fancy soil or fertilizer. I just planted the seeds from randomly on an empty patch in the back yard and in about four months, it’s gone completely wild. No complain, loving every bit of it. This simple Kumro Pata Torkari or Kumro Para Chorchori is a simple one pot means that comes together in less than 30 minutes. If you can find some of the leaves or stems in the farmers market or you are lucky enough to grow it, then do give this Bengali recipe a try.
Here are other Bengali recipes to try!
