Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons mustard oil or olive oil
  • A generous pinch of ground asafetida
  • 1/2 teaspoon whole brown or yellow mustard seeds
  • 4 cups (1 1/4 pounds) peeled and seeded butternut squash or pumpkin, cut into segments 3/4- to 1-inch in size
  • 3/4 to 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
  • 18 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Method

  • Pour the oil into a frying pan and set over medium heat.
  • When hot, add the asafetida and mustard seeds.
  • As soon as the mustard seeds start to pop, a matter of seconds, add the squash.
  • Continue to cook, stirring, for about 3 minutes, or until the squash pieces just start to brown.
  • Add 1/4 cup of water, cover, turn heat to low, and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
  • Add the salt, sugar, cayenne and yogurt.
  • Stir and cook, uncovered, over medium heat until the yogurt is absorbed and no longer visible.
  • Sprinkle in the cilantro and stir a few times.