Baked pumpkin with garlic yogurt sauce, also know as kaddow bowrani, is an amazing Afghan appetizer that is savory, sweet and easy to prepare.
Pumpkin is such an essential fall ingredient but I often get bored with it very quickly. I love pumpkin pie and pumpkin cheesecake but there are so many other options out there!
I understand why it’s mostly used in baked desserts but pumpkin also works wonderfully in savory dishes, such as this baked pumpkin with garlic yogurt sauce.
I first sampled this dish, also know as kaddow bowrani, at an Afghan restaurant in Baltimore called The Helmand many years ago. It’s surprisingly easy to make and incredibly addicting.
Cinnamon and a touch of sugar balance a warm and tangy garlic yogurt sauce for a unique appetizer that’s both savory and sweet. This is a simple appetizer recipe that is perfect for cozy fall dinners.
Baked Pumpkin with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 sugar pie pumpkin (approximately 2 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 cup plain, full fat or greek yogurt
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- With a sharp knife, slice the pumpkin in half and then again into quarters. Scoop out the seeds and use a peeler to carefully remove all of the skin. Slice the pumpkin into pieces that are 2-3 inches in size.
- In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon and coriander.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or heavy bottom skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the pumpkin well on both sides for 5-10 minutes.
- Remove the Dutch oven from the heat and sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the pumpkin. Cover tightly and bake for 30 minutes.
- To prepare the sauce, combine the yogurt and garlic. Add salt to taste. Milk or water can be added to the yogurt to thin it out if necessary.
- To serve, drizzle the sauce over the pumpkin. Serve warm.
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
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Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
What a perfect appetizer for Thanksgiving, I love the cinnamon!
Rosemary Mullally says
Lovely photo.
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
I’m all for savory pumpkin dishes! I’m actually getting sick of all the pumpkin dessert I’ve been making so this is an awesome change of scenery for me!
little kitchie says
what a pretty dish! i love the idea of this as an appetizer!
Valerie says
I love the flavour combinations happening in this sauce! (Bet it’s great right off a spoon too!) :D
Ashley - Baker by Nature says
Amazing flavors in this – totally on the to-make list!
Jessica@AKitchenAddiction says
Love the flavor combination! This would make a great Thanksgiving appetizer.
Kathryn says
That garlic yogurt sauces sounds heavenly by itself, let alone when it’s combined with pumpkin!
Kate@Diethood says
mmmmm garlic yogurt sauce… you are speaking my language! :-) LOVE IT!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
Garlic yogurt sauce – mmm, yum!
Bashar A. says
Out of curiosity, how long does it take you to setup the food for the pictures? I attempted it this weekend and I grew a lot of appreciation for your setups. Even if I don’t try all the recipes, I always enjoy the pictures :)
Savory Simple says
honestly, it totally varies depending on the recipe and setup. This one took awhile because I struggled to find a composition I liked. Sometimes I’m done in 10 minutes, sometimes it takes an hour.
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
I bet that cool yogurt sauce is a great contrast with the warm, toasty pumpkin!
claire @ the realistic nutritionist says
What an interesting idea. :)
Katie @ Blonde Ambition says
Such a fun and different way to cook pumpkin! I love it!
Rachael {SimplyFreshCooking} says
I’ve never seen anything like this… LOVE!!!