Meetha Kaddoo Braised Butternut Squash With Jaggery

1 Squash, butternut

3 tb Oil

1/2 ts Fenugreek seeds

1/2 ts Hing

1 tb Coriander, ground

1/2 ts Cayenne pepper

Salt, kosher; to taste 1 ts Mango powder

3 tb Jaggery, powdered

Place the squash on the side on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut its stem end off, then halve it (if necessary use a mallet to force the blade of the knife into the squash). Scoop out the seeds and fibers from each squash half, the scrape the flesh to remove clinging fibers. Cut each half into 1 1/2 inch wedges and peel the hard skin off. Cut the meat into 1 1/2 inch pieces and set aside.

Measure out the spices and place them right next to the stove in separate piles. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the fenugreek seeds and fry until they turn dark brown (about 10 seconds) add the asafetida, coriander, and pepper. Stir once and immediately add the squash. Stir rapidly to distribute the spices (about 3 to 4 minutes). Sprinkle on salt to taste; stir. Lower the heat and cook, covered, until the squash is cooked but still holding its shape (about 15 minutes). Uncover and sprinkle on the mango powder. Reduce the heat to medium and turn-fry for 2 minutes. Add the jaggery and cook until it melts and coats the vegetables (3-4 minutes). Serve warm, at room temperature, or cold. Classic Indian and Grain Cooking, Julie Sahni per Mimi Taylor.