Pumpkin- cucurbita pepa ,Dudhe, Kadu,Kumbal kayi,Matthan.

Pumpkin is a fruit of the species cucurbita pepo, it is grown all around the world except Antarctica. Pumpkins are very versatile in their usage for cooking, all parts of this plant is edible from the fleshy fruit, tender leaves, flowers, seeds even the vine are edible.In western countries Pumpkin is very popular traditionally on Halloween & Thanks giving days.Recent studies & research suggest that chemical compound found in Pumpkin is good for diabetic people. It is also known to help in weight loss.The main nutrient in Pumpkin are lutein and both alpha &beta carotenes which generates vitamin A in body.This fruit being rich

in carotenoids help in preventing night blindness and helps retain 20/20 eyesight.Pumpkin seeds are good sources of proteins,zinc & vitamins. Traditionally among Konkani's all most all the celebration including temple feasts Pumpkin is used.
Here are a few recipes,

• MICROWAVE DUDDI BURFI (PUMPKIN BURFI) indian sweet

Ingredients:- for about 9-10 pieces

1cup grated Pumpkin,

1cup milk,

3/4 cup sugar,

1tbs ghee (clarified Butter),

10 -12 cashew nuts (chopped/ fairly large pieces) and fried in a little bit of ghee

Method :-

Microwave Milk and Grated Pumpkin on High settings for about 8 minutes, add sugar and Ghee(Clarified butter) and heat for 6 minutes on High again, then add cashew pieces and heat for about 2 more minutes.Spread this on a ghee coated thali (plate with walls) and cut immediately .Let cool and serve.

Variation:- PUMPKIN HALWA

For Halwa use 1/2 C sugar, and after adding sugar heat only for about 4 minutes instead of 6 and then again 2 minutes after adding cashew pieces. Mix well and serve warm.