Yellow pumpkin, or pila petha, is a golden-fleshed vegetable known for its mild sweetness and soft texture when cooked. Often used in North Indian and South Indian recipes, it's included in sabzis, sambhar, and festive preparations. The tender flesh absorbs spices and flavors, making it an excellent choice for curries and soups. Yellow pumpkin is also used in desserts like halwa. Select pumpkins that are dense, smooth-skinned, and deeply colored. Pila petha brings warmth, color, and comfort to home-cooked meals, especially during seasonal or celebratory cooking.
 
 
Recipe You Should Definitely Try:
 
How to Make Pumpkin Paratha 
 
 Ingredients:
 
Grated white pumpkin (safed petha) – 1 cup (peeled, deseeded, and squeezed)
Whole wheat flour – 2 cups (adjust as needed)
Ghee – 1 tbsp (plus extra for roasting)
Green chilies – 1 finely chopped (optional)
Ginger – ½ tsp grated
Fresh coriander – 2 tbsp finely chopped
Ajwain (carom seeds) – ½ tsp
Salt – to taste
Optional flavor twist (inspired by halwa):
Cardamom powder – a pinch
Crushed roasted cashews – 1 tsp (adds a nutty aroma)
 
 Method:
 
1. Prep the pumpkin:
Peel, deseed, and grate the white pumpkin. Squeeze out excess water (retain some for dough if needed). This step helps reduce stickiness.
2. Sauté the pumpkin:
In a pan, heat 1 tbsp ghee. Add the grated pumpkin and sauté for 5–6 minutes on medium heat until the raw smell goes away and moisture reduces.
3. Make the dough:
In a mixing bowl, combine:
The cooked pumpkin
Wheat flour
Salt, ajwain, green chilies, ginger, coriander
(Optional) A pinch of cardamom powder and crushed cashews for a festive flair.
Mix well and knead into a soft dough. Use leftover squeezed pumpkin water as needed. Rest dough for 10–15 minutes.
4. Roll and roast:
Divide the dough into equal balls. Roll into medium-thick parathas.
Heat a tawa and roast each paratha with ghee until golden brown on both sides.
 
Pairs With:

Perfect with curd, pickle, or mint chutney. You can also pair it with a spoon of petha halwa for a unique sweet-salty Navratri or vrat combo.