Spiced Pumpkin and Greens Salad with Tamarind Dressing
Best For Lunch Dinner
Serves 2
Time: 45 mins
Ingredients
- 1/4 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 3 cups chopped pumpkin
- 1/2 teaspoon rock salt
Spiced Pumpkin
- 1/4 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 3 cups chopped pumpkin
- 1/2 teaspoon rock salt
- Tamarind Dressing
- 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 3 tablespoons jaggery powder
- 2 tablespoons tamarind pulp
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon chopped green chili
- pinch of roasted cumin powder
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon black salt
Assembly
- 2 cups leafy greens (kalmi saag or kulfa saag or lettuce)
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon jakhiya seeds, roasted
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180c for 10 minutes.
- Dry roast the coriander and cumin seeds, then crush in a mortar and pestle.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed spices with the chopped pumpkin and rock salt. Mix well with your hands. Roast the spiced pumpkin at 180c for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the tamarind dressing. Heat a pot and dry roast the fennel seeds for 2 minutes.
- Add the remaining ingredients of the dressing, except the black salt, to the pot and stir. Cook on a medium flame for 5 minutes until thick.
- Switch off the stove, add the black salt, and stir. Transfer into a bowl and allow to cool for 5 minutes, then refrigerate for 10 minutes.
- Separate 2 tablespoons of the dressing, and combine it with the leafy greens with gentle hands. Combine the remaining dressing with the roasted spiced pumpkin.
- Place the coated leafy greens in a serving bowl. Then add the spiced pumpkin on top, along with the remaining assembly ingredients, and serve.
Benefits:
- Rich in Antioxidants: Pumpkin is a rich source of antioxidants like beta-carotene, which supports eye health and provides immune-boosting benefits.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Pumpkin is loaded with essential vitamins (A, C, E) and minerals (potassium, magnesium), contributing to overall well-being and supporting bone health.
- Digestive Aid: The combination of coriander, cumin, fennel seeds, and tamarind in the dressing can aid digestion and provide relief from digestive discomfort.
- Low-Calorie and Nutrient-Dense: This salad is low in calories but high in nutrients, making it a great option for those looking to manage their weight while ensuring they get essential vitamins and minerals.
- Heart-Healthy: The use of rock salt and the absence of excessive oil make this salad heart-healthy, promoting cardiovascular well-being.
- Balanced Sweet and Spicy Flavors: The tamarind dressing, with jaggery, ginger, and green chili, provides a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, making the salad more enjoyable.
- Gut-Friendly: The roasted cumin powder, along with the tamarind, can contribute to a healthy gut environment.
- Hydration: The water content in leafy greens and the dressing contributes to hydration, supporting overall health.
- Variety of Greens: The use of different leafy greens like kalmi saag, kulfa saag, or lettuce adds a variety of nutrients and textures to the salad.
- Texture and Flavor Contrast: The addition of pomegranate seeds and roasted jakhiya seeds provides a delightful contrast in texture and flavor, enhancing the overall eating experience.
Including this Spiced Pumpkin and Greens Salad with Tamarind Dressing in your diet can offer a flavorful and nutrient-packed meal with a range of health benefits for your body.
December 13, 2023
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