Description
A delicious twist to a classic Rajasthani curry, bright and attractive, with a slightly sweet to taste from the fruit and warm undertones from the whole spices. Serve it with plain rice or flatbread and let everyone guess what they’re eating.
Ingredients
1 small watermelon, quartered, red flesh cubed and deseeded (about 5 cups)
1-2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 small piece cinnamon stick
2-3 cloves
2 green cardamom pods
1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
1 1/2 teaspoons red chili powder (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
Salt, to taste
Juice of 1/2 lime
To serve:
Plain rice, saffron rice, or Indian flatbreadInstructions
Cut the watermelon into quarters. Cube and deseed the red flesh. Puree half of it in a blender or food processor and set aside.
In a wide pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add mustard seeds, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. When the mustard seeds begin to pop, stir in the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a few seconds until aromatic.
Add the watermelon puree to the pan and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the chili powder, turmeric, and salt. Cook for 3–4 minutes, adding a splash of water if it thickens too quickly.
Stir in the watermelon cubes and garam masala. Let it cook for another minute so the fruit softens slightly but still holds its shape. Finish with lime juice and remove from heat.
Serve hot with saffron rice, coriander rice, or fresh flatbread.
Notes
Heat level: Increase red chili powder or add a chopped green chili for more bite.
Ghee vs oil: Ghee gives the dish its depth — oil will flatten the flavor.
Watermelon choice: Deep red, sweet varieties work best for both color and balance.
Texture: The cubes should hold shape — avoid overcooking or it turns soupy.
Serving suggestion: Great alongside grilled paneer or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 8mg